Today we are going to discover the key points of Compression Therapy and physiotherapy in somewhat broad terms, as in upcoming blog posts we will be breaking down all their applications and how to improve our performance by applying these two techniques, which are destined to work together.
What is Physiotherapy?
When we talk about physiotherapy, we are referring to the art and science that, through a set of methods, actions, and techniques, by applying both manual and instrumental physical means, heals, recovers, and adapts people affected by somatic, psychosomatic, and organic dysfunctions.
Physiotherapy also has a preventive nature and can be recommended to people who want to maintain an adequate level of health. Therefore, physiotherapy could be defined as the curative method through natural means (water, light, electricity), or mechanical, such as massage or exercise.
And what about Compression Therapy?
The air pressure technique is a system commonly used both in the aesthetic field, sports field, as well as in care to help relieve swelling, muscle loads, and improve lymphatic drainage. It is important to know how Compression Therapy works.
The equipment usually consists of Compression Therapy boots for sports (feet and legs), accessories for arms and belt (abdomen). The compression applies a massage to the selected area.
Compression Therapy enhances body flow, all of which can activate the lymphatic drainage system, helping reduce weight, fluid retention, fat cells, or deposits of waste substances in the body.
This drainage is performed by applying air to the body, and to do so, the user must wear the necessary equipment on the area to be treated.
Of the many uses that Compression Therapy can have, today we will talk about the application of this technique to sports recovery, in its physiotherapeutic aspect, which is the field I mostly work in, with football players and athletes, although the range is quite broad and also includes people who want to improve their legs because they suffer from tired leg syndrome.
The basis of Compression Therapy: Drainage!
In terms of health, it is a good source of nutrient supply, as the increased blood flow leads to a massive delivery of beneficial nutrients for our health, which by itself is a boost to our energy and nutritional intake.
Additionally, this same lymphatic drainage with Compression Therapy alone provides us with a better sense of well-being, which is always positive for good recovery, as this oxygen supply is always beneficial and will always help strengthen this and any treatment, making the entire supply more robust and strong.
Moreover, and no less important, it helps us eliminate substances such as those that cause cellulite that our body does not need, especially during a recovery process, as they hinder and slow down this process.
Therefore, any method, such as this one, helps us achieve a better, faster, and above all, more effective rehabilitation of the treated area. In the end, this results in better training or competition sessions.
Regarding the most direct relationship between Compression Therapy and sports physiotherapy, my personal experience over the time I have been using it as a sports physiotherapy professional with elite athletes is undoubtedly very positive.
When we are treating aspects related to pain relief and different sensations, drainage helps improve the quality of the area by oxygenating the treated space and releasing it, especially in the muscular aspect.
Compression Therapy offers immediate results
The work, both active that we perform or can perform (with physiotherapy), and passive, which is done by Compression Therapy, strengthens us, gives us more capacity and endurance, thus enhancing and strengthening the treated area.
In summary, lymphatic drainage of the area improves the quality of the treated area, but that is just the beginning… it also gives us more strength in the leg muscles, more endurance, and more capacity to withstand subsequent effort… What more could we ask for?
On a mental and physical level, we see and especially feel that we improve; we realize that Compression Therapy, in specific and general aspects of sports and aesthetic recovery, produces great well-being, substantial improvement of the pathology being treated (recovery in most cases), and leaves us in an ideal state for the next session or the next day of work.
Obviously, Compression Therapy is a technique perfectly applicable to non-athletes as well as athletes, being a treatment suitable for the whole family. Few contraindications… ALL benefits!
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