Benefits of Wearing Compression Garments

Benefits of Wearing Compression Garments

Mohammad Zain Ul Abideen
B. Sc. in Textile Engineering, Pakistan.
Cell: +92-321-8894390 
E-mail: davilzain@yahoo.com

Benefits of compression garments:
Compression garments also known as pressure garments. Compression garments are pieces of clothing such as socks, pantyhose, sleeves, etc., that provide support that is especially useful for people who have to stand for long periods, or people with poor circulation. I have also published article on compression garments.

Benefits of Wearing Compression Garments

Following are the advantage that may be gained through the use of compression garments such as:

Increase recovery speed:
Used as part of the ‘Rice’ regime (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate), compression leggings or tights can rapidly reduce recovery time and minimize delayed onset muscle soreness.
 

Decrease injury risk:
The force of impact is lessened, helping to support and stabilize injury weekend areas such as the knee.
 

Greater running efficiency:
Supports injured or prone to injury areas such as the calf and quad gently squeezing and cradling problem areas reducing muscle oscillation and helping to keep muscles warm so that they can work more effectively.
 

More Oxygen:
Compression socks increase venous return and help deliver oxygen to muscles with a tight fit around the foot and a graduated squeeze up the calf.

1. Enhancing blood circulation to peripheral limbs
2. Reducing blood lactate concentration during maximal exercise bouts
3. Enhancing warm-up via increases in skin temperature
4. Increasing vertical jump height
5. Improving repetitive jump power
6. Reducing muscle oscillation upon ground contact
7. Increasing torque generated about joints, improving performance and reducing the risk of injury. For example, assisting the eccentric action of the hamstring at the end of the swing phase in running enhancing recovery following strenuous exercise by aiding in the removal of blood lactate and improving subsequent exercise performance
8. Reducing the effects of delayed on set muscle soreness in the days following strenuous exercise
9. Increasing feelings of positive leg sensations both during and following strenuous exercise.
10. It helps to soften firm, hard (fibrous) tissues due to the massaging effect of the garment against the skin during movement or exercise.
11. Reduces fluid buildup in sub dermal surgical lumpectomy area
12. Increases blood circulation
13. Promotes proper skin adhesion to newly contoured areas  

Lymphoedema garment has the following main benefits:

• It limits the amount of fluid building up in the limb. Normally there is a constant flow of fluid from the tiny blood vessels into the tissues. This fluid is then drained by the lymph system. Pressure from your garments reduces any excessive or unnecessary flow of fluid from the blood stream into the tissues. 

• It will provide the muscles with a firm resistance to work against; thereby improving the function of the lymphatic’s and encourages the movement of fluid along the lymph routes. It is essential you wear your compression garment during exercise all benefits gained during the exercise will be lost if you don’t. 

• It enables fluid within the limb to move towards the body where it will drain away more easily (Especially in conjunction with simple or Manual lymphatic drainage). Because the compression garments have a graduated compression (more strength at the foot or hand than at the top of the garment), the fluid is directed to the root of the limb (groin or armpit).

• It will provide support to inelastic tissues, often noticeable following an intensive course of treatment, when a large amount of fluid has been removed from the limb, leaving loose and sagging skin or tissues.

Types of Compression Garments

Different Types of Compression Garments

Mohammad Zain Ul Abideen
B. Sc. in Textile Engineering, Pakistan.
Cell: +92-321-8894390 
E-mail: davilzain@yahoo.com

 

 

 

Compression Garments

Compression garments are pieces of clothing that provide support. It is important after undergoing plastic surgery to wear compression garments to avoid swelling and bruising of the operated area.t that is especially useful for people who have to stand for long periods, or people with poor circulation. Compression garments include sleeves, gloves, stockings, tights, toe gloves and a variety of specially fitted garments for individual needs.

Compression Garments

Types of pressure garments:
Following are the five types of pressure garments such as

1. Hides
2. Thigh length or knee length garment stocking and
3. Chin Strap
4. Legs with short zippers
5. Face mask pressure garment

1. Hides:
Horse owners are often sports people and will follow the trends in exercise performance and will understand the many benefits of hides which may include improvements in recovery, better warm-up before and cool-down after exercise, reduced muscle soreness, reduced swelling and reduced risk of travel sickness. Human athletes found that wearing gradient compression garments after exercise prevented a painful and limiting phenomenon called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS occurs 24-72 hours after intense exercise impacting upon subsequent performances. This is similar to a phenomenon in horses called recurrent exceptional rhabdomyolysis colloquially called “tying-up”, Horses have the disadvantage that they cannot directly inform their owners of the level of their distress.

2. Compression stockings:
Medical compression stockings have been used in the treatment of poor venous blood flow for more than 50 years. These medical compression stockings are usually worn over the leg and foot and are adapted to create a controlled gradient compressive force on the leg. They are specialized hosiery designed to help prevent the occurrence of guard against further progression of venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis. Compression stockings are elastic garments worn around the leg, compressing the limb, exerting pressure against the legs, reducing the diameter of distended veins and causing an increase in venous blood flow velocity and valve effectiveness. Compression therapy helps decrease venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and impairments of venous walls and relieves heavy and aching legs. Unlike traditional dress or athletic stockings and socks, compression stockings use stronger elastics to create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. Compression stockings are tightest at the ankles and gradually become less constrictive towards the knees and thighs. By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, the circulating blood is forced through narrower circulatory channels. As a result, the arterial pressure is increased, which causes more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet. Compression stockings are constructed using elastic fibers or rubber. These fibers help compress the limb aiding in circulation. Compression stockings are offered in different levels of compression. The unit of measure used to classify the pressure of the stockings is mmHg.

Compression stockings

2.1 Commonly used terms for compression stockings:
There are two types of compression stocking such as (a) Gradient compression stocking and (b) Anti-Embolism Compression Stockings

2.2 Gradient compression stockings:
These stockings are designed to remedy impaired “Musculovenous pump” performance caused by incompetent leg vein valves. They are woven in such a way that the compression level is highest around the ankle and lessen towards the top of the hose. Doctors will typically recommend these stockings for those who are prone to blood clots, lower limb edema and blood pooling in the legs and feet from prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity. They are worn by those who are ambulatory in most cases where they assist the calf muscles to perform their pumping action more efficiently to return blood to the heart. In some cases, they are worn by those at increased risk of circulatory problems such as diabetics whose legs are prone to excessive swelling. A common indicator for the prescription of such stockings is chronic peripheral venous insufficiency caused by incompetent perforator veins. Low pressure compression stockings are available without prescription in most countries and may be purchased at a pharmacy or medical supply store. Stockings with a higher pressure gradient say, above 25-30mmHg may require a prescription from a doctor. There are several crucial cautionary steps that need to be taken before using compression stocking. A patient’s ABI (Ankle brachial index) must be >1.0 per leg to wear compression stockings otherwise the stockings may obstruct the patient’s arterial flow. The ABI indicates how unobstructed a patient’s leg and arm arteries are. Any competent doctor or nurse can measure and calculate a patient’s ABI. It is crucial that compression stockings are properly sized. The compression should gradually reduce from the highest compression at the smallest part of the ankle, until a 70% reduction of pressure just below the knee. Vascular doctors and nurses may use special pads to ensure uniform higher pressure around the circumference of the ankle (to smooth out the irregular cross-sectional profile). Self-prescription is reasonably safe assuming that the compression gradient is 15-20 mmHg, the ABI (for both legs) is >1.0 and that the stockings fit correctly. “Firm” gradient stockings (20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg) should generally be worn only on medical advice. Although current research reports mixed results of compression socks on athletic performance. There is ecdotal evidence from athletes that they can benefit from such stockings. Wearing gradient compression garments during non activity and immediately after exercise enhances recovery time from injury, reduces DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and swelling associated with exercise and assists the body in flushing out waste products e.g. Lactic acids and Carbon dioxide from vital blood supplies. While wearing gradient compression garments (skins) during air travel a person experienced:

• 55% decrease in ankle swelling.
• 58% improvement in leg pain.
• 52% improvement in leg discomfort.
• 13% demonstrated improvement in alertness.
• 9% improvement in concentration.
• 14% improvements in energy levels.
• Improvements in fluid retention and improved post flight sleep.
• Significant reductions in flight edema were evident and observed whilst wearing Skins CG

2.3 Anti-Embolism Compression Stockings:
These stockings are commonly referred to as T.E.D hose which is a registered brand name, although numerous other brands exist known as graduated compression garments. They are used to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg. Like gradient compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings deliver a distributed amount of compression at the ankle and up the leg. This compression when combined with the muscle pump effect of the calf, aids in circulating blood and lymph fluid through the legs (in non-ambulatory patients).Compression wear has also been adopted by the sports science industry. Various garments have been developed to improve the efficiency of muscles by stabilizing muscles and improving circulation or lactic acid removal. Today, compression stockings are available in a wide range of opacities, colors, styles and sizes making them virtually indistinguishable from regular hosiery or socks. Sports scientists have found also it to be of great benefit for athletes to wear graduated compression garments such as skins or 2xu during activity and in particular during time after activity e.g. the increase of oxygen availability to muscles and significantly reduced lactic acid production in the system. It’s found that sports men and women, who wear gradient compression garments during recovery activity, perform better and stay at their peak longer.

3. Chin strap:
The chin Strap improves blood circulation, compresses the bleeding vessels, stops the loss of blood, minimizes swelling after the procedure, accelerates the healing process and allows the patient to return to daily routines sooner. Used following a facial procedure, this compression garment also provides support to surgical areas for more comfort and helps the skin fit better to its new contours. Appropriate for Face lift, Neck lift, Brow lift and Liposuction (face, chin and neck). Moreover, the garment is made of pattern designs that target maximum support and compression. The fabric provides the compression control need to optimize circulation and enhance healing while giving the comfort “feel good” that patients demand.

4. Legs with short zippers:
Leg garments that have zippers are shorter than the top height are placed on the feet in the same way as those with full length zippers. The patient’s foot must be eased through the entire length of the support. When the zippers are fully closed, the rest of the support must be eased into place as a without zippers must be. The elastic backing should be between skin and zipper. Continue up leg to top always holding the fabric together with one hand while closing zipper with other. The area zipper is in will not stretch beyond it. Other areas may require adjusting in length by taking hold of fabric lower on leg and gently working it up to its proper height.

Legs with short zippers

5. Face mask pressure garments:
Such type of compression garments are use on the face in case of any injury. Open Velcro closure is use at back of head and an extra hand is needed to hold chin mask on patients. Fabric of mask into hands and stretch over head releasing fabric to fit the facial features in the correct positions. Facial features must be adjusted for comfort. Gently slip a finger underneath fabric at eye opening and pull into place. Do the same for ears, nose and mouth.

Face mask pressure garments

Compression Garments | Material Use for Compression Garments

Compression Garments (Pressure Garments)

Mohammad Zain Ul Abideen
B. Sc. in Textile Engineering, Pakistan.
Cell: +92-321-8894390 
E-mail: davilzain@yahoo.com

1. Definition of Compression Garments:
Compression garments also known as pressure garments. Compression garments are pieces of clothing such as socks, pantyhose, sleeves, etc., that provide support that is especially useful for people who have to stand for long periods, or people with poor circulation. Compression garments are used in diseases.

Compression garments

2. Introduction:
The use of compression garments plays a very important role with in the management of lymphoedema and it is often called the ‘mainstay of treatment’. Although it is mainly used in long term management especially after a course of intensive treatment (including Skin care, Exercise, Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and the application of Multi layer lymphoedema bandaging (MLLB)).It may also be used to control early signs of swelling, thereby minimising future complications. Compression garments include sleeves, gloves, stockings, tights, toe gloves and a variety of specially fitted garments for individual needs.
 

3. History of compression garments:
Compression garments are started being used in human medicine around 400 BC. About half a century ago doctors started using another form of compression garment known as graduated compression stockings. These stockings are used routinely through out hospitals all around the world for post operative surgeries and by air travelers trying to avoid DVT’s (Deep vein thrombosis).In 1970 pressure garments have been used to exert pressure over human body for the treatment of scars caused by burns and post operative conditions. Their use has now got extended to the rapeutic applications for management of venous and lymphatic problems, bone and muscle injury, oedema sensitivity of skin in the affected area and comfact characteristics of these fabric play a critical role in patient compliance and healing, transport of heat, vapour and moisture from the body determine the comfort offered by a garment.
 

4. Material use for pressure garment:
Following material is need for the preparation of compression garments such as Spandex, Latex and nylon filament commonly.

4.1 Spandex:
Spandex is a synthetic fiber, known for its exceptional elasticity. It is a popular choice for athletic compression wear. A popular name brand is “Lycra”. It offers four way stretch is form fitting and whisks moisture away from the body. Spandex should be hand washed or machine washed on delicate cycle and air dried. Compression garments made from Spandex include surgical hose, support hose, unisuits, foundation garments and compression shorts.
 

4.2 Latex:
Natural latex used in compression garments is extracted from the sap found in rubber trees. Garments containing latex can supplement waste reduction by causing the compressed area to sweat and burn excess fatty tissue.
 

4.3 Nylon filament:
Instead of these two nylon 6,6 filament of 210 denier is use for loop formation.

Importance of Compression Garments for Diseases

Importance of Compression Garments for Diseases

Mohammad Zain Ul Abideen
B. Sc. in Textile Engineering, Pakistan.
Cell: +92-321-8894390 
E-mail: davilzain@yahoo.com

Compression Garments:

Compression garments are pieces of clothing, such as socks, pantyhose, sleeves, etc., that provide support that is especially useful for people who have to stand for long periods, or people with poor circulation. The garments can come in varying degrees of compression. The higher degrees require a doctor’s prescription. Compression garments worn on the legs can help prevent deep vein thrombosis and reduce swelling, especially while traveling.

Compression Garments for body shape

Compression sportswear is also worn by some athletes during exercise to prevent chafing and rashes, and post-exercise to ease muscle stiffness and quicken recovery time.

Compression garments enhance your curves, control your figure and reduce clothing size in specific areas of your body. Besides, compression garments are widely used in medical textile.
 

Different diseases for which compression garment are necessary:

 

(1) Tired, aching legs:
Occurs when the blood flow slows down in the legs (can be an indicator of deep vein thrombosis).

Compression Garments for injured leg

 (2) Edema (Mild ankle or foot swelling):
When blood and tissue fluid pool in the legs and feet due to poor circulation.
 

(3) Chronic peripheral venous insufficiency:
Veins cannot pump deoxygenated blood to the heart.
 

(4) Varicose veins:
Saccular and distended veins which can expand considerably and may cause painful venous inflammation. Once developed, will not disappear on its own. The formation of varicose veins is an externally visible sign of venous weakness.
 

(5) Spider Veins:
Spider veins (mild varicosities) the smallest cutaneous blood vessels which shimmer bluish or reddish through the skin.

(6) Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
Occurs when blood flow decreases (especially in the lower extremities), causing blood to pool in the legs and leading to blood clot (thrombus) formation.
 

(7) Lymphoedema:
When a body part swells due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid occurring when there is interference with the normal drainage of lymph fluid back into the blood commonly swelling the arm, leg, neck or abdomen.
 

(8) Phlebitis:
Inflammation and clotting in a vein most often a leg vein due to infection, inflammation or trauma. People with varicose veins are more often affected. Inflammation occurs suddenly causing the thrombus to adhere firmly to the vein wall which can clog a superficial vein.
 

(9) Economy Class Syndrome (ECS):
Occurs on long flight due to traveler’s inactivity, gravity and cramped seating which slows down the blood flow through veins.
 

(10) Lipodermatosclerosis:  

Inflammation of subcutaneous fat form of panniculitis.
 

(11)Pregnancy:
Hormones released during pregnancy and the expanding uterus (pressure on the inferior vena cava - the major vein returning blood up to the heart) can affect leg veins.

Compression Garments for pregnancy