Sequential Compression Devices
Sequential
compression devices are useful for the treatment and mitigation of a wide range
of medical problems. From forcing fluid out of muscle tissue to forcing blood
in, these specialized devices are helping many people treat and mitigate the
pain and soreness that comes with diseases such as peripheral artery disease
and diabetes. Sequential compression devices work by forcing air into a series
of champers in a special sleeve, which can inflate in sequence to help force
fluids out of tissue and to provide "milking motion" to help blood
reach deep portions of the body.
Many
diseases and wounds are treated with the aid of what is known as compression
therapy, which is when a special sleeve or wrap is applied to an area of the
body and applies mild to intense pressure. The pressure is meant to achieve one
of two goals:
First,
compression therapy is used to force retained fluid out of an area of the body.
The human body can retain fluid for many reasons, such as in the case of some
diseases or deep injuries where fluid buildup occurs deep within the body. In
these cases, and because surgery can be an invasive and dangerous process,
compression therapy is used because it can quickly force fluid out of the
body's tissue and allow the body to process it normally. Also, because
compression therapy is a noninvasive process, it can usually be applied over
the course of a few visits to the doctor's office or, in many cases, at the
patient's home during their leisure time.
Second,
compression therapy is used to force the supply of blood to reach areas where
it is being blocked from. Because many injuries cause swelling, and because
some diseases can hamper the body's ability to pump blood to all areas where it
needs to be, a compression wrap or sleeve can be used to force blood into the
deeper parts of the human body, supplying needed nutrients and oxygen to organs
and to deep tissue. Similarly to forced fluid removal therapy, compressed blood
flow therapy is a noninvasive procedure that does not require surgery. Because
of this, it is often used when surgery would be unnecessary, or dangerous.
Because
there are many things that can disrupt the flow of blood to the deep tissues of
the body, and because of the noninvasive nature of compression therapy, this
new technique is seeing increased use not only in hospitals and at primary care
locations, but for in-home and out-patient care as well. Compression therapy
can be used for a wide range of diseases and medical problems, and because it
is typically covered by health insurance, many people can see the benefits of
this pain free procedure today.
Author Bio:
Paul is a
freelance writer and blogger for Spectrum Healthcare who is interested in pain management, in-home patient care, and
in lymphedema compression. For more information on sequential compression devices, and to
see how an SCD can help you, visit Spectrum Healthcare on the web today at
spectrumhealthcare.net.
