Image credit: Air Relax Australia
We are now offering compression therapy at Retrain Health Byron Bay & Ballina. With this therapy, we are using a multi-chamber air compression device that has been fitted around the limbs prior to treatment. The air compression device helps to reduce muscle soreness, swelling, assist in lymphatic flow, and improve circulation as it massages the arms and the legs (Zaleska & Olszewski, 2019). Compression therapy has proven to be clinically effective for patients with lymphatic issues. In a recent study by Desai and Shao (2020), a group of 128 patients were treated for lymphedema (secondary to other conditions). The outcome of regular therapy led to a decrease in body mass index, a 28% decrease in limb volume, positive skin changes, reduced pain and an increased quality of life (Blumberg et al. 2016). Compression therapy can also be an effective tool for sport-recovery, either prior to exercise, during a half-time break, or after exercise. It is particularly helpful straight after exercise as it assists in the recovering process of flushing toxins from the lymphatic system that causes delayed onset muscle soreness (Winke & Williamson, 2018). We are using equipment from Air Relax Australia. Air Relax is an advanced digitally controlled air pressure system providing compression massage. The cuffs have multiple chambers that compress in succession. The system increases blood flow through the muscles similar to the effects of a professional massage.
How the Air Relax cuffs work?
After fitting both legs into thigh-high cuffs, you will ideally lay flat for about half an hour and let the technology do the work. The leg cuffs have hoses that connect to an air compressor. Once the compressor is turned on, the air chambers in each leg cuff repeatedly expands with air, gradually compressing each muscle group in the legs and feet. Compression therapy is generally very safe and there are no signs of significant adverse events during or after the therapy to date (Feldman et al. 2012).
Image credit: Air Relax Australia
We don't recommend this treatment if you have any of the following conditions:
Acute pulmonary oedema
Acute infections
Osteoporosis
Episodes of pulmonary embolism
Acute thrombophlebitis
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Blood Clots
Where increased venous and lymphatic return is undesirable at or in the vicinity of the treatment application because of lesions or tumors.
Bone fractures or dislocation at or in the vicinity of treatment application.
Open wounds
This treatment is not suitable for children.
Please let us know before treatment:
If you are pregnant
If you feel fatigued
If you have an implant at the site of application
If you have a cardiac pacemaker
If you have any metal implant in your body
This is the perfect adjunct to your Osteopathy or Massage appointments.
If you would like to know more about the technology or have any specific questions, please contact us. If you would like to know more about the lymphatic system, check out our blog post on the lymphatic system.
Retrain Health is based in the Northern Rivers, NSW. From our Byron Bay and Ballina clinics, our team provides a range of quality healthcare services and products.
Retrain Health offers osteopathy, remedial massage, strength and conditioning, and PT sessions, with qualified practitioners.
If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact the clinic by phone (02) 6680 7447, send us an email or click here to book an appointment online.