Compression therapy

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The concept of compression therapy lies on a simple and efficient
mechanical principle : the application of an elastic garment around the leg.

By compressing the limb with graduated compression - strong at the ankle
and decreasing going up the leg - the compression stocking helps the
venous return, decreases venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and
deterioration of venous walls, and efficiently relieves aching and heavy
legs.

At Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates, we help assist you and your
prescribing physician to treat phlebitis, thrombosis and aftercare following
surgery, sclerotherapy and any other forms of varicose vein treatment, and
also to relieve all conditions of chronic venous disease (heavy legs,
varicose veins, edemas, leg ulcers). Compression hose can also be
prescribed to prevent venous troubles during pregnancy and long distance
travel. We do all the measuring in the clinic and can provide next day
service for picking up your prescriptive products. We also offer a great
selection of non-prescriptive compression hose.

Depending on the pathology, medical compression therapy can be applied
in different forms: socks, stockings, pantyhose or bandages.

The current new textures and fashion designs of compression products
make the treatment observance much easier and efficient.

PRINCIPLE OF COMPRESSION THERAPY
1. The principle of this therapy is to exert a controlled pressure on the
limb

Action of compression

The pressure unit is the millimeter of mercury (mmHg) or the hecto Pascals
(hPa).
1 mmHg = 1.33 hPa.

2. The pressure is exerted by the application of a device on the limb
Stockings or bandages are called medical devices. They answer to specific
reglementations that fix their strict requirements. The devices are called
orthesis meaning that their action is to support or to reinforce a part of the
human body, and not to be a substitute like a prosthesis does.

3. The action of the device is mechanical
It utilizes the principle of hysteresis that is defined by the stretch-relaxation
curve of an elastic body.
The transmission of the pressure to the vascular system by those devices
is indirect.

4. The principle stands against the hyperpressure induced by a
defective venous system

5. The pressure is stronger at ankle level
The compression device must exert a contra-pressure where the pressure
level is the strongest : at the ankle.
The foot does not require to be tighten by the device.

6. The pressure is degressive
The direction of the blood stream must be respected. Therefore the
pressure must be degressive. The gradually pressure decrease is defined
in the requirements of the devices, and depends on the compression
classes.

7. The pressure is determined by :

The elastic recoil force of the hosiery

The form of the leg : The pressure exerted on the leg depends on the
curvature of the local surface (Laplace Law). Thus, a given stocking exerts
a higher pressure above the tibial edge and the Achille's tendon and a
lower one at the lateral aspect of the leg. Behind the ankles, no pressure is
exerted as the garment does not touch the skin.

ACTION OF COMPRESSION THERAPY

1. Hemodynamics effect

• Increase venous blood flow
• Decrease venous blood volume
• Reduce reflux in diseased superficial and/or deep veins
• Reduce a pathologically elevated venous pressure

2. Effect on tissue

• Reduce an elevated water content of the tissue
• Increase the drainage of noxious substances
• Reduce inflammation
• Sustain reparative processes
• Improve movement of tendons and joints.