What is Air Pressure Therapy?

Barometric pressure therapy, also known as pneumatic compression therapy, involves applying calibrated pressure to a specific area of the body using an inflatable garment, sleeve or wrap. The garment is connected to a controllable pressure unit that can inflate and deflate the garment in a precise sequence. This sequential inflation and deflation is designed to safely increase circulation and reduce swelling.

How Does Air Pressure Therapy Work?

When inflated, the garment applies circumferential pressure to the body part inside. This applied pressure triggers a physiological response that pushes fluid like blood and lymph out of the compressed area. When the pressure is released, fresh blood and fluid can refill the tissues. By rapidly and precisely cycling between inflation and deflation, barometric pressure therapy effectively "massages" the body part to encourage circulation.

The targeted compression mimics the muscle pump action of walking and other movements to keep fluid circulating efficiently. It can help reduce swelling and congestion in the treated area. Improved circulation may speed healing, relief pain and improve range of motion over time.

Potential Benefits for Different Conditions

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Prevention:

For hospital patients at risk of developing dangerous blood clots, intermittent leg compression via sleeves or stockings can help keep blood circulating to reduce clot formation. It provides an alternative for those who can't take blood thinners. Studies show it reduces DVT rates by around 50-80% in at-risk patients.

Lymphedema Management:

Lymphedema causes painful swelling that often requires lifelong management. Pneumatic compression suits or sleeves deliver precisely timed pressure waves to help drain excess fluid and proteins from congested tissues back into functioning lymph vessels. It provides an effective at-home therapy option.

Chronic Pain Relief:

Studies suggest Air Pressure Therapy may help decrease pain by reducing swelling and inflammation associated with chronic muscle or joint issues like arthritis. It encourages circulation to deliver more oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products from painful areas.

Sports Injury Rehab:

Soon after injury, compression garments speed edema reduction to begin the healing process. As rehab continues, periodic sessions can aid flexibility recovery and prevent scar tissue build up. Athletes report less pain and faster return to play with pneumatic compression as part of the treatment plan.

Venous Insufficiency:

Ineffective one-way valves in leg veins no longer pump blood back to the heart efficiently. Swelling and aching result. Intermittent compression augments the impaired natural mechanism to safely manage symptoms better than support hose alone.

Wound Healing:

For slow healing wounds related to vascular or lymphatic issues, targeted pressure application promotes liquid drainage while new cell growth occurs more quickly. It can speed wound closure when used as an adjunct to other therapies.

Equipment Considerations

A variety of pneumatic compression devices are available for clinical and home care use. Sleeves, stockings, suits and segmented wraps contour to treat different body parts. Quality brands use microprocessor controls to precisely time compression levels for safety and effectiveness. Settings let patients adjust treatment intervals, pressures and cycle times for optimal comfort.

In Summary, programmable home units deliver cost-effective therapy that may be covered partly by health insurance. Disposable systems provide portability but higher costs. Clinicians help choose the best option based on condition, affordability, mobility and treatment plan goals. Overall, pneumatic compression offers a well-tolerated option for many patients. With proper training and consistent use, it supports conservative management of numerous conditions.

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