Pneumatic Compression Therapy

Pneumatic Compression Therapy uses inflatable compression sleeves around the legs that rhythmically inflate and deflate to help improve circulation and promote fluid movement. It can assist in reducing lower-limb swelling and oedema, support lymphatic drainage, and relieve feelings of heaviness or discomfort.

tired, heavy and swollen legs

Pneumatic Compression Therapy for Leg Swelling & Circulation

Helping tired, heavy and swollen legs feel lighter

Do your legs or feet feel swollen, heavy, tight or uncomfortable, particularly after long periods of standing, sitting or travelling?

At The Foot Force Podiatry, we offer Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) Therapy as a non-invasive treatment option designed to support circulation and assist with the movement of excess fluid from the lower limbs.

Treatment is comfortable, requires no needles or medication, and is performed while you relax in our clinic.

What is Pneumatic Compression Therapy?

Pneumatic compression therapy uses specialised inflatable sleeves that are placed around the legs and feet. During treatment, different sections of the sleeves gently inflate and deflate in a controlled sequence.

This creates graduated, rhythmic compression of the lower limbs, helping encourage the movement of blood and fluid back up the legs.

The sensation is often described as a firm but comfortable squeezing or massage-like pressure.

Pneumatic compression therapy for before or after travel

What are the benefits?

Depending on your individual circumstances, pneumatic compression therapy may assist with:

  • Lower-leg, ankle and foot swelling
  • Oedema and fluid retention
  • Feelings of heaviness or tightness in the legs
  • Supporting venous blood flow
  • Supporting lymphatic fluid movement
  • Swelling associated with prolonged sitting or standing
  • Lower-limb swelling following long-distance travel
  • Recovery and general lower-limb comfort

Pneumatic compression may also be used as part of a broader management plan alongside appropriate footwear, exercise, elevation, compression garments and other treatments where clinically indicated.

Who may benefit?

Pneumatic compression therapy may be considered for people who experience recurring swelling of the feet, ankles or lower legs, particularly after spending extended periods sitting or standing.

It may also be useful for people whose legs regularly feel tired, heavy or uncomfortable at the end of the day.

Before commencing treatment, our podiatrist will assess whether pneumatic compression therapy is appropriate for you.

relaxing leg compression boots recovery

What happens during treatment?

Treatment is simple and non-invasive.

You will be comfortably positioned while pneumatic compression sleeves are placed around your legs and feet. The device then gradually inflates and deflates different chambers within the sleeves, producing controlled sequential compression.

A typical session takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

You can simply sit back and relax while the treatment is performed.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the cause and severity of your swelling and your individual response to treatment.

Some people may notice that their legs feel lighter or less tight following a session, while persistent or recurrent oedema may require a more structured management approach.

Your Podiatrist can discuss an appropriate treatment frequency based on your presentation and goals.

DVT risk of flight

Is Pneumatic Compression Therapy safe?

Pneumatic compression therapy is generally well tolerated when used appropriately; however, it is not suitable for everyone.

A clinical assessment is important before treatment, particularly if you have a history of vascular or cardiovascular disease.

Pneumatic compression may be unsuitable in certain circumstances, including suspected or confirmed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), significant peripheral arterial disease, acute infection or cellulitis, uncontrolled/severe cardiac failure, acute inflammation or other conditions where compression may be contraindicated.

If we have concerns about unexplained or significant swelling, we may recommend assessment by your GP or another medical specialist before commencing treatment.

Why is assessment important?

Leg swelling can have many different causes.

Although swelling can sometimes be associated with prolonged standing, sitting or travel, it may also occur due to venous disease, lymphatic dysfunction, medications, injury or systemic medical conditions.

For this reason, we don’t believe in simply treating swelling without considering why it is occurring.

Our Podiatrists can assess your lower limbs and determine whether pneumatic compression is appropriate or whether further medical investigation or referral is recommended.

multicultural Spanish friendly doctor

Pneumatic Compression Therapy at The Foot Force Podiatry

If you’re experiencing swollen, tired or heavy legs, speak with our podiatry team about whether pneumatic compression therapy may be suitable for you.

Our goal is to provide treatment based on your individual presentation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Treatment duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes
Treatment fee: $40 per session (limited time)
Package: Purchase 5 sessions and receive your 6th session complimentary
Eligibility: Adults 18 years and over

Ready to give your legs some relief?

Book an appointment with The Foot Force Podiatry to discuss your lower-limb swelling and find out whether Pneumatic Compression Therapy is appropriate for you.

* Pneumatic compression therapy is not suitable for all patients. Individual results vary. Assessment is required to determine suitability, and medical clearance or referral may be recommended where clinically indicated.

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