Compression Lab
Objectives:
-Demonstrate clean set up and take down of compressive devices, giving respect to
patient privacy, and comfortable patient positioning
-Discuss proposed effects of compression
-Describe differences between static vs intermittent, single vs multi-chambered, uniform
vs graded, constant vs sequential compression
-Experiment with various methods of compression applications, in single application and
in combination with other agents
-Discuss precautions and contraindications to collect in subjective history to clear for safe
compression therapies
-Measure appropriate objective measures to test and track efficacy of compression
-Revisit past session physical agents for practice and future exam prep
Materials:
Compression Devices
-Cryocuff
-Game Ready
-Vasopneumatic boots
-MVP boots
-ACE wraps
Conduction mediums
-Towels or pillow cases
-ACE wraps
-Tubigrip
Tape measures
Tasks:
1. Working in partners or small groups, collect a brief subjective history, discussing
precautions and contraindications for compression treatments.
2. Practice and record sensation, practice and record volumetric measures for objective
determination of treatment
-sharp/dull
- circumferential measure
-light touch
- figure 8 measurement
-nail bed squeeze
3. Complete each case listed on following pages:
Case Examples - Submit on Canvas
1. 17 y.o. male recently sustained a _____ ankle sprain. He has noted swelling around the ankle (+4cm on
a figure 8 measure) and is using crutches for a NWB gait. Pain is 5/10 at rest. He can dorsiflex to 5
degrees and plantar flex to 45 on the effected side, then 15 and 60 on the contralateral side
respectively. You choose the cryocuff in part of your PRICE approach.
Device: Cryocuff Unit
Type of compression application: (circle all that apply)
Single / multi chamber static / intermittent graded / uniform sequential / synchronous inflate
Specific mmHg?
-Could the above patient potentially benefit from a compressive treatment, and if so, why?
-What direct objective measures (think *sign) could help guide treatment selection choice and
application?
-If the *sign improved with treatment, what indirect objective measures or functional
improvements could potentially be measured post treatment?
-Apply and document a treatment for the above mini case scenario using class recommendations:
2. 25 y.o. female 1 week post op ACL reconstruction on L knee. Resting pain is 02/10. She can perform a
relatively weak quad set, but can independently lift her leg, showing a 20 degree extension lag. She
walked into the clinic WBAT with a single crutching, landing flat foot and with a 15 degree knee bend.
Her comfort ROM is 0/10/85
You choose Game Ready in part of your treatment.
Device: Game Ready compressive unit
Type of compression application: (circle all that apply)
Single / multi chamber static / intermittent graded / uniform sequential / synchronous inflate
Specific mmHg?
-Could the above patient potentially benefit from a compressive treatment, and if so, why?
-What direct objective measures (think *sign) could help guide treatment selection choice and
application?
-If the *sign improved with treatment, what indirect objective measures or functional
improvements could potentially be measured post treatment?
-Apply and document a treatment for the above mini case scenario using class recommendations:
3. 78 y.o. male 1 day post R hip replacement. Due to difficulties with family assistance at home, he is
staying overnight at the hospital for acute recovery management. You choose the pneumatic boots (foot to
thigh) to help with swelling and DVT prevention while in the hospital when the patient is in bed.
Device: Pneumatic compression (PresSsion set top boxes)
Type of compression application: (circle all that apply)
Single / multi chamber static / intermittent graded / uniform sequential / synchronous inflate
mmHg?
-Could the above patient potentially benefit from a compressive treatment, and if so, why?
-What direct objective measures (think *sign) could help guide treatment selection choice and
application?
-If the *sign improved with treatment, what indirect objective measures or functional
improvements could potentially be measured post treatment?
-Apply and document a treatment for the above mini case scenario using class recommendations:
4. 21 y.o. competitive cyclist complains of heavy legs following a race. His upper legs at mid quad
measure 1 cm bigger post race compared to pre race. You recommend MVP boots for post exercise
recovery.
Device: Norma Tech Boots
Type of compression application: (circle all that apply)
Single / multi chamber static / intermittent graded / uniform sequential / synchronous inflate
mmHg?
-Could the above patient potentially benefit from a compressive treatment, and if so, why?
-What direct objective measures (think *sign) could help guide treatment selection choice and
application?
-If the *sign improved with treatment, what indirect objective measures or functional
improvements could potentially be measured post treatment?
-Apply and document a treatment for the above mini case scenario using class recommendations:
Challenge Question:
1.
What vital sign is most important when choosing settings for compression pressure on a
pneumatic device? Why?