Pressotherapy is a therapeutic technique useful in the treatment of diseases affecting the circulatory system. It can be carried out on different parts of the body such as arms, legs and abdomen through special applicators. Specifically, arm pressotherapy makes use of patient-worn cuffs connected to a central device.
The device contains within it a compressor that pushes air to attached cuffs. These consist of several chambers that inflate and deflate, usually sequentially or at any rate from the wrists toward the shoulders. This action on the arm promotes return, venous and lymphatic circulation.
Who is arm pressotherapy intended for?
Arm pressotherapy is mainly indicated for people suffering from lymphedema, edema, water retention, and venous insufficiency.
In fact, the mechanism o f action of pressure therapy promotes lymphatic drainage and contributes to the elimination of excess fluid and toxins. It also reduces joint stiffness and muscle pain.
Pressotherapy is a painless and noninvasive treatment. However, it has some contraindications, so we recommend that y o u consult a doctor before starting a course of therapy.
In particular, the therapy is contraindicated-unless otherwise prescribed by the physician
- In these situations:
- children and pregnant women
- People with wounds, ulcers, malignancies, or who have had surgery in the treatment area
- People with circulation disorders such as hardening of the arteries or heart attack
- In the presence of suspected blood clots
- patients with varicose vein problems
- Patients with prostheses in the affected body part
A more detailed list of contraindications can be found within the user manual of our I-Press device.
Important: In the case of arm pressotherapy treatment, only one cuff can be used at a time, given the proximity of the upper limbs to the heart. This is in contrast to pressotherapy sessions on the legs, where it is instead possible to treat the two limbs simultaneously through the connection of two leggings.
Benefits of arm pressotherapy
Among the main benefits of pressotherapy we undoubtedly find support for return circulation-both venous and lymphatic-combined with a reduction in excess fluid leading to an overall decrease in swelling. This applies to all applications, including when doing pressotherapy on the arms.
These benefits-along with improved muscle tone-can be noticed after a few sessions, while already after the first pressotherapy session it is common to experience pain relief and a general feeling of well-being, also due to increased tissue elasticity and flexibility.
One of the greatest advantages of pressotherapy is the possibility of doing it even every day in the comfort of home, giving continuity to the treatment and obtaining constant benefits.
In this regard, it is important to note that an increase in machine pressure does NOT equate to greater therapy effectiveness. The blood vessels stimulated by the action of the cuffs are located at a rather superficial level, so even moderate pressure can achieve the expected benefits.
At the end of a session, the sensation most people experience is one of lightness in the limbs. However, it may happen that some patients experience a feeling of weakness due to increased circulatory activity.
Arm pressotherapy is often combined with a slow manual lymphatic drainage massage, usually performed after the pressotherapy session.
Other combinations of treatments may include the use of cold bandages, more common, however, for cosmetic purposes.
Pressotherapy and post-mastectomy lymphedema
One of the main applications of pressotherapy concerns patients with lymphedema, a condition in which lymph stagnates in different parts of the body. In these cases, pressotherapy works excellently because, in improving return circulation, it succeeds in both relieving pain and reducing swelling, thus achieving more than one effect.
Generally, a course of pressure therapy treatment for lymphedema involves a 30-day duration, with daily 30-minute sessions at 50mmHg pressure.
However, in this specific case, pressotherapy alone does not achieve the highest level of effectiveness, as it acts as a maintenance treatment rather than a cure. Therefore, it is recommended to combine other practices such as manual lymphatic drainage, lymphological wraps, and the use of an elastic brace.
Arm pressotherapy: before and after
As we said, the big difference between before and after an arm pressotherapy session is the feeling of lightness at the end of the session.
On the other hand, in order to obtain more concrete benefits for one’s circulation and also from an aesthetic point of view, it is necessary to carry out a greater number of sessions (as in the case of lymphedema, in which it is necessary to do therapy every day). This is why it comes in handy to be able to do the treatment at home, in total comfort, especially considering that it can also be done every day without any constraints (unless otherwise medically indicated).
Which pressotherapy program to choose for the arms?
There are several devices on the market for doing arm pressotherapy. I-Tech Medical Division offers within its range of devices for home rehabilitation a device “made in Italy” very easy to use and intuitive, which will allow you to carry out the therapy easily, without the risk of wrong program.
In fact, all you have to do is connect a cuff to the device, put it on, and move the time and pressure knob, bringing them to the desired point, depending on the condition to be treated and the directions given by the doctor.
As for the duration of a single treatment, a session lasts an average of 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the goal.
Remember that it is always not recommended to wear two cuffs at the same time in the case of arm pressotherapy.
More tips for keeping your arms healthy
As always, a number of good habits can help keep our bodies healthy, even when we talk about arms.
In particular, it is recommended:
- Keep the skin well hydrated by taking in the right amount of water throughout the day
- avoid smoking and alcohol
- Avoid sudden weight loss and weight gain that can have negative effects on the arms
- Keeping active, avoiding excessive sedentariness
- Carry out strength-focused workouts, also to counteract advancing age
To sum up.
If you are looking for help to improve circulation in your upper extremities or if your doctor has prescribed pressotherapy sessions, I-Tech Medical Division can support you by allowing you to enjoy a home-use device such as I-Press
Also, if you have any concerns or questions you can contact us at +39 041 5401356. Our customer service team will be ready to help you!
Bibliography:
- https://deborasevero.it/services/linfodrenaggio-e-pressoterapia/#1654760473201-ef71775c-c033
- https://www.benessere360.com/pressoterapia-controindicazioni.html
- https://deborasevero.it/services/linfodrenaggio-e-pressoterapia
- https://www.my-personaltrainer.it/salute-benessere/pressoterapia.html
- https://www.ibsaderma.it/derma-magazine/corpo/braccia/braccia-flaccide-rimedi-tonicita/
