Intermittent Compression

Question 1

Intermittent Compression

Answer 1

• mechanical pressure that encourages venous and lymphatic return from the extremities
• nylon sleeve specific to body part connected to hoses
• compression results from air flow or cold water pumping through device

Question 2

Purposes

Answer 2

EDEMA REDUCTION

• improved healing environment
• reduces neuromuscular inhibition
• improved range of motion
• decreases pain

PREVENTION OF DVT
- increases venous flow preventing clot formation

Question 3

Types of Units

Answer 3

• circumferential: inflates as a unit, equal compression to all parts of the extremity
  ex: game-ready
• constant: inflates and remains inflated
• intermittent: cycles on and off
• sequential: chambers inflate individually, milks from distal to proximal
  MEDIA: air (pneumatic) or chilled water (hydraulic)

Question 4

circumferential constant cold compression units

Answer 4

most effective in ACUTE phase

• —> assist in PREVENTING inflammation
• • combine with elevation
    ex: controlled cold therapy (cryocuff)

Question 5

intermittent cold compression units

Answer 5

SUBACUTE/CHRONIC phase

• –> provide a pumping mechanism to get rid of wastes and deliver nutrients to injured area
  - – decrease edema / inflammation
  - – decrease ecchymosis

Question 6

Constant vs. Intermittent

Answer 6

Constant for:

• acute phase
• continuous compression
• -> prevent edema

Intermittent:

• sub acute or chronic
• remove edema once accumulated

Question 7

Physiological Effects

Answer 7

• mechanical pressure reduces edema
• -> prevents muscle inhibition
• —> improves ROM
• decrease capillary hydrostatic/filtration pressure
• -> limits formation of edema (content, acute)
• -> increased reabsorption of interstitial fluids by lymphatic system
• -> second pressure gradient from distal (high pressure) to proximal (low pressure)
• —-> fluid movement from distal to proximal
• less edema / fluid
• –> less mechanical pressure on nerve endings/pain receptors
• —-> less pain
• improved vascular function
• -> improved blood / oxygen supply
• —> decrease chemical pain

Question 8

Indications

Answer 8

• post injury inflammation (intermittent for subacute/acute)
• post surgical inflammation (constant for acute)
• prevention of DVT
• venous stasis ulcers
• lymphedema

Question 9

Contraindications

Answer 9

• DVT
• compartment syndromes
• possible FRACTURE
• CHF
• peripheral vascular disease
• pulmonary edema
• dermatitis
• • avoid wrinkles on skin

Question 10

Parameters: Determining Pressure

Answer 10

• take athlete’s BP
• compression should NOT be above DIASTOLIC BP
• initial tx for UE = 40-60 mmHg
• initial tx for LE = 60-100 mmHg
• also elevate extremity

Question 11

Parameters: Duty Cycle

Answer 11

On : off ratio

usually 3 : 1 (45 seconds on : 14 seconds off)

Question 12

Parameters: Temperature

Answer 12

50-60 degrees F

Question 13

Parameters: Tx Duration

Answer 13

20-30 min