What Is Compression Therapy?

Compression therapy involves wearing specially designed garments socks, stockings, sleeves, or wraps that apply graduated, controlled pressure to the limbs. The pressure is greatest at the ankle or wrist and gradually decreases up the leg or arm, which encourages blood and lymphatic fluid to move upward toward the heart rather than pooling in the extremities. This simple mechanical principle has powerful effects: it reduces swelling, improves circulation, supports weakened vein walls, and helps the body recover more efficiently from injury or surgery. Compression therapy is one of the most well-researched and widely recommended non-invasive interventions in modern healthcare, used by everyone from post-surgical patients to long-haul travellers.

Who Benefits From Compression Therapy?

The range of people who benefit from compression therapy is broader than most people expect. At the medical end, compression garments are prescribed for conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention, and post-surgical recovery following procedures like knee or hip replacement. But compression is also widely used by people without diagnosed conditions nurses and healthcare workers who spend long shifts on their feet, office workers and travellers who sit for extended periods, pregnant women experiencing leg swelling, and athletes managing recovery between training sessions. If your legs feel heavy, tired, or swollen by the end of the day, compression may offer meaningful relief even without a formal diagnosis.

Types of Compression Garments

• Compression socks and stockings knee-high, thigh-high, or full pantyhose; most common type
• Compression sleeves for arms; widely used for lymphedema and athletic recovery
• Compression wraps adjustable, reusable; used for wound care and edema management
• Compression shorts and leggings post-surgical recovery and athletic use
• Night garments lower compression, designed for overnight wear during lymphedema treatment

Compression Levels Explained (mmHg)

• 8–15 mmHg Mild: everyday leg fatigue, long travel, mild swelling prevention
• 15–20 mmHg Moderate: mild varicose veins, pregnancy swelling, prolonged standing
• 20–30 mmHg Firm: medical conditions, post-surgical recovery (guidance recommended)
• 30–40 mmHg Extra firm: severe venous conditions, lymphedema (prescription required)
• 40+ mmHg Prescription only: advanced lymphedema, severe chronic venous disease

Why Professional Fitting Matters

An ill-fitting compression garment is not just ineffective it can actually cause harm. Garments that are too tight can restrict circulation or cause skin breakdown, while garments that are too loose provide little therapeutic benefit. Proper measurement of the limb at the correct anatomical points, combined with an understanding of your condition and activity level, is essential to selecting the right garment and compression level. At Courtice Home Health Care, our trained staff provide professional compression fittings as part of our service we measure carefully, explain your options, and ensure you leave with a garment that works for your specific needs. Book a fitting at 1423 King St E Unit 5, Courtice, or call +1 (905) 721-0004.