compression therapy | Flow Recovery

what is compression therapy?

Compression therapy is a treatment that involves applying pressure to an injured or affected area of the body using specially designed garments, or wraps. This therapy is used to improve the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, reduce swelling, control pain, and speed up the healing process in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema, varicose veins, and acute injuries like sprains or strains. The pressure applied helps to compress the surrounding tissues, reducing space, and therefore improving circulation.

This therapeutic method exposes the body or parts of the body to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes. There are two ways in which cryotherapy can be applied to the human body;

Localised - Targeted Cryotherapy to a small area on the body through ice packs, ice balls, cryo guns using liquid nitrogen or electric to cool, ice sprays & ice massage.

Whole Body (WBC) - Whole body exposure through a tub for an ice bath or more advanced machines called cryo chambers where you’re in a small room or chamber that exposes you to extreme cold temperatures of minus 87°C.

Pain & Arthritis

Weight Loss

Stress, Anxiety & Depression

Pain Relief & Muscle Healing

Insomnia

Inflammation

CONTRAINDICATIONS

These are absolute contraindications for the use of Cryotherapy treatment; if you have or suffer from any of the following, you will not be cleared for Cryotherapy treatment until your GP has provided a letter of consent:

• Untreated high blood pressure • Heart attack (within the previous 6 months) or conditions related to heart surgery • Congestive heart failure • COPD • Chronic liver disease • Unstable Angina Pectoris (chest pain) • Pacemaker • Valvular or Ischemic Heart Disease • Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or known circulatory dysfunction • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or known circulatory dysfunction • Acute febrile illness (such as flu) • Acute kidney and urinary tract diseases Severe Anemia • Cold Allergenic Phenomenon (known allergy to cold contacts) • Uncontrolled seizure disorders • Bacterial and viral infections of the skin • Wound healing disorders (open sores or discharging wound/skin conditions) • Alcohol or drug-related inebriation • Advanced Raynaud's Disease • Polyneuropathies • Pregnancy • Vasculitis • Hyperhidrosis (heavy perspiration) • Uncontrolled Diabetes • A history of syncope/fainting/passing out • Advanced Diabetes • Claustrophobia • Age less than 18 years (parental consent to treatment required)

RISKS OF WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY

Fluctuations in blood pressure (due to peripheral vasoconstriction) may cause your blood pressure to increase briefly by up to 10 points systolically during treatment. This effect should reverse after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal, allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, anxiety, activation of some viral conditions (cold sores) etc. due to stimulation of the immune system, temporary redness of the skin, chilblain/skin burns/scarring (very rare).