When it comes to healing after injury or surgery, time is everything. But not just time on its own—how you spend that recovery time matters even more. At Houghton Physical Therapy, we understand that recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s why we’ve integrated some of the most effective, science-backed tools to support healing and enhance the body’s natural recovery process. One of the most powerful tools we use is Pneumatic Compression Therapy.
Whether you’re an athlete coming off a tough season, a post-op patient dealing with swelling, or someone recovering from a long-standing injury, pneumatic compression can play a crucial role in accelerating your healing process.
What Is Pneumatic Compression Therapy?
Pneumatic compression therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses controlled air pressure to gently massage the limbs. You wear a specialized sleeve that inflates and deflates in cycles, creating a pumping motion that enhances circulation, reduces swelling, and speeds up tissue repair.
Originally developed for patients at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), this therapy has evolved to support healing in a variety of physical therapy and sports medicine applications. The goal is simple: move fluid out of the injured area, promote circulation, and allow the body to do what it does best — heal.
Benefits of Pneumatic Compression Therapy
Compression therapy offers a wide range of benefits, especially when integrated into a broader treatment plan. Some of the most common reasons we recommend this therapy include:
- Reduced Swelling and Inflammation: By moving stagnant fluid and improving lymphatic drainage, compression can significantly reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients delivered to healing tissues.
- Faster Recovery Post-Exercise: Athletes love this treatment for reducing soreness and speeding up muscle recovery.
- Relief from Chronic Conditions: For patients dealing with lymphedema, venous insufficiency, or circulatory issues, compression therapy can provide tremendous relief.
How Houghton Physical Therapy Integrates Compression Therapy
At Houghton Physical Therapy, we don’t just offer pneumatic compression therapy in isolation—we integrate it thoughtfully into comprehensive, customized recovery plans.
Combining Modalities for Optimal Healing
Our experienced team often combines compression therapy with:
- Manual Therapy: After hands-on mobilization, compression helps flush out metabolic waste and supports lymphatic drainage.
- Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave helps break down scar tissue and stimulate blood flow; compression afterward supports circulation and reduces any residual soreness.
- Stimpod Therapy: When used to stimulate nerve activity, Stimpod can be followed by compression therapy to calm surrounding tissues and maintain flow through affected areas.
This multi-modality approach ensures your recovery is comprehensive, not fragmented. We treat the root cause, address secondary symptoms, and support the full recovery cycle.
Customized Recovery and Regenerative Sessions
Whether you’re coming in post-op, dealing with a sports injury, or managing chronic pain, compression therapy can be included as part of our Recovery and Regenerative Therapy sessions.
These sessions are tailored to your individual goals. Some clients want to:
- Get back to sport faster
- Minimize pain and stiffness after surgery
- Prepare for a big event or competition
- Manage swelling from chronic conditions
Whatever your goal, we personalize your recovery plan so you get the right mix of care at the right time.
What to Expect During a Compression Therapy Session
Pneumatic compression is one of the easiest, most relaxing therapies we offer. Here’s how it works:
- We fit you with a specialized compression sleeve on your legs, arms, or hips depending on your area of concern.
- The sleeve is attached to a machine that inflates and deflates the air chambers in a rhythmic cycle.
- Each session lasts around 20–30 minutes, during which you can simply relax while the sleeve does its job.
You may feel a gentle squeezing or pulsing sensation—never painful, and many patients say it’s incredibly soothing.
Is Pneumatic Compression Right for You?
Compression therapy is ideal for:
- Athletes needing quicker recovery between training or events
- Post-surgical patients with swelling or limited mobility
- People managing lymphedema or circulatory issues
- Anyone looking for a non-invasive way to support healing
Of course, your plan will always be reviewed and guided by our expert physical therapists to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
If you’re looking to recover faster, reduce swelling, or just feel better in your body, pneumatic compression therapy might be the missing piece.
We invite you to schedule a Free Discovery Visit to learn more about how this therapy can be part of your healing journey. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, trying to get back on the field, or managing chronic discomfort, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Contact Us:
Houghton Physical Therapy
📍 Attleboro, MA
📞 508-223-2300
🌐 www.houghtonphysicaltherapy.com
Because healing shouldn’t feel like a waiting game. Let’s get you feeling better—faster.
