Air Compression Therapy: The Next Wave 

Air compression therapy is available at Next Wave Therapy, O’Connor (Fremantle area) for athletic recovery and injury prevention but also for those who are unable to exercise. 

There’s a new trend in post-workout recovery that is spreading quickly. It is known as Compression Therapy and includes External Pneumatic Compression (EPC) or Compression Sleeves. There is a lot of promising evidence that supports its use in the athletic population, but there are other conditions that Compression Therapy can be useful, including chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), fibromyalgia and orthostatic hypotension.

What is Air Compression Therapy?

Air compression therapy, also known as pneumatic compression therapy, involves the use of inflatable sleeves or boots that are placed around the limbs. These sleeves are connected to a device that inflates and deflates them rhythmically, creating a pulsating compression on the targeted area. The use of Dynamic air compression is supported by peer-reviewed research to help recovery for athletes, post surgery and other conditions where exercise is not possible and/or circulation is compromised. 

Air compression therapy works through several mechanisms

Air Compression Therapy is non-invasive and works through the intermittent compression action which helps reduce blood pooling, increase warmth in the joints and muscles and “massage” the body gently.

Enhanced Blood Flow

Research has shown that the rhythmic compression and release of the sleeves stimulate blood flow in the treated area. This increased circulation helps remove metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, which can accumulate during intense exercise and cause muscle fatigue and soreness. (Sands et al., 2015)

Reduced Inflammation

Compression therapy has been found to reduce inflammation by promoting the movement of lymphatic fluid, which carries away cellular debris and inflammatory substances from the tissues. (Quillen et al., 1982) This can be particularly beneficial for people recovering from injuries.

Muscle Recovery

Dynamic air compression can aid in muscle recovery by reducing muscle stiffness and promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue. This can result in faster healing and reduced post-exercise soreness.(Hoffman et al., 2016)
Improves athletic performance

Benefits of Air Compression Therapy

• Faster muscle tissue recovery
• Reduced muscle aches and pain
• Improves flexibility
• Increases range of motion
• Increases recovery rate
• Reduced muscle fatigue
• Stress reduction and relaxation
• Improve Blood Flow
• Reduce Swelling and Lymphedema

Air Compression Therapy : The Next Wave

Doctors have been using compression therapy for fibromyalgia and arthritis for many years. External Pneumatic Compression devices are newer on the market and research is still catching up with their use, however early evidence suggests that they can be just as effective in treating the following conditions:-

• Fibromyalgia
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
• Arthritis
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Spider veins
• Varicose veins
• Anxiety

How is Air Compression Therapy used at Next Wave Therapy

Air Compression Therapy can be used before or after exercise. The recommended amount of time is between 15-30 mins. Pressures can be varied according to your comfort as there are no guidelines currently on the best settings.

Air Compression Therapy at Next Wave Therapy begins with  an initial assessment with your physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

This assessment established suitability of the therapy for your needs, sets parameters for use and designs your program.

Air compression Therapy works for the right person and is very safe when used correctly. Whether you use it to help reduce pain and soreness after exercise or for treating chronic pain conditions we’ll get you set up with a program that suits your needs.

For more information please call 93376460 or book online