Modern compression therapy is a great option for patients waiting to see the DC, or to utilize post-adjustment

Photo from Chiropractic Economics.

For patients with circulation issues and athletes looking to stay in peak form and maximize their training, compression therapy is a fast-rising, non-drug alternative to medication that is being utilized by chiropractors as an adjunct therapy in clinic.

For athletes it speeds up the recovery process after workouts by increasing blood flow to the limbs and reducing pain and soreness. Studies also show a host of other benefits including increased flexibility and reduced inflammation. From pros in all major U.S. sports to the NCAA, it’s difficult to find a team that does not take advantage of compression therapy for athletic recovery.

Chiropractic patients benefit from compression therapy to improve mobility, treat circulation issues including lymphedema and venous insufficiency, prevent deep-vein thrombosis, heal chronic wounds, and deal with a range of other edematous conditions. Chiropractors are integrating the technology into their practices to help improve patient outcomes with great success.

DCs in training learning compression therapy

A new generation of doctors of chiropractic are learning about utilizing compression in the classroom and teaching clinics as part of developing an integrated practice.

Timothy Stark, MPhil, MBA, DC, DACBSP, ICSC, CSCS, EMT, FICC, is director of the Human Performance Center at Northwestern Health Sciences University and has coordinated the postgraduate educational programs for NWHSU for the specialties of sports chiropractic and physical rehabilitation for the past 20 years.

“We have four compression systems that we use in the academic and clinical setting,” Stark says. “Academically, we introduce the systems in our Advanced Upper and Lower Extremity courses. Each student is offered an opportunity to try the systems. These courses are part of our Sports Emphasis in the Doctor of Chiropractic Program.”

In addition to allowing students to gain firsthand experience using these new modalities, students are also taught the science behind the therapy and how to effectively use this type of therapy to help their patients.

“Modern users love it for pain relief after a big workout or weekend warrior refresher,” Stark adds.

Read the full Chiropractic Economics article here.