Compression therapy is a medical treatment that is used to increase blood flow through the limbs back to the heart by using compression or support stockings. Compression therapy is used to treat chronic venous diseases and circulation conditions.
Compression stockings work by applying gentle, gradual pressure to your ankles, calves, and thighs (if necessary) in order to promote blood flow from the legs to the heart and prevent pooling of the blood in the veins (which can cause varicose and/or “spider” veins). Compression stockings are also used to reduce leg pain, swelling in the ankles and legs, and may help reduce the possibility of developing blood clots.
Compression therapy is most commonly measured by the amount of pressure, or mmHg, that is used in the garment. Compression therapy may also be known as gradient or gradual compression therapy, as the pressure in the garment will gradually decrease as the garment moves up the limb. This means that the compression hosiery will be tightest at the ankle, for example, in a lower extremity garment, and will decrease in pressure as it moves up the leg.
Our staff are Certified Fitters and have undergone specialized training to assist in your compression wear needs.
The fit of your compression stockings makes all the difference as compression stockings are not appropriate for everyone and can cause harm when used at the wrong time or improperly.
Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd. is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care, and we are here to help you with any and all of your compression therapy needs. Our staff are Certified Fitters, meaning that they have received the specialized training for measuring, fitting, and caring for your compression hosiery. Our Certified Fitters can help you choose the appropriate compression style, size, and colour to fit your needs.
There are various levels of compression. The level of compression is selected based on your individual medical needs.
Mild: 8-15 & 15-20 mmHg
Medium : 20-30 & 30-40 mmHg
Firm: 40-50 & 50+ mmHg
You may need to use compression if:
Non-medical: You can purchase non-medical compression stockings at our retail location, The Orthotic Centre at The Credit Valley Hospital. No appointment is necessary.
Medical: For medical grade compression, we will need to measure you and order your size and compression level. You will need to have a prescription from your doctor or nurse practitioner. You can drop into our retail location at The Orthotic Centre at The Credit Valley Hospital or book an appointment at our other offices.
Compression therapy is available in two groups: medical compression and non-medical compression.
Medical (or moderate to firm) compression wear are socks, sleeves (arm or leg), thigh-highs, or pantyhose that are measured in pressure 20 mmHg or higher. A physician or nurse practitioner will prescribe compression therapy for a variety of reasons or diagnoses.
Non-medical (or mild) compression wear does not require a physician’s prescription and are also known as “Over-The-Counter” compression.
