Compression Therapy

How Medical Compression Therapy Helps

Medical compression garments—including stockings, upper- and lower-limb sleeves, and gloves—apply controlled pressure to the legs, feet, arms, or hands. This pressure helps to:

• Improve blood circulation
• Support the veins
• Assist drainage of lymphatic fluid
• Manage lymphatic swelling (lymphedema) in the upper and lower limbs

They are commonly recommended for:

• Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT – blood clots)
• Managing varicose veins and spider veins
• Treating chronic venous insufficiency
• Reducing oedema (swelling) and lymphedema
• Providing support during pregnancy
• Supporting recovery after surgery
• Reducing swelling during flying and long-distance travel

For people recovering from an amputation, compression may also form part of the preparation described in our prosthetic care journey.

Upper- and Lower-limb Compression Sleeves

These stockings are available in different pressure levels, expressed in millimetres of mercury (mmHg):

Class 1 (18–21 mmHg)

• Used for prevention of thrombosis and mild swelling, especially before and after surgery.

Class 2 (22–32 mmHg)

• Used for thrombosis prevention, varicose veins/spider veins, and oedema (swelling) control.

Class 3+ (33+ mmHg)

• Used for advanced oedema, lymphoedema, and lipoedema.