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Support, compression and gradient compression are seen as interchangeable, but they are not all created equal! Support often refers to control top. Support pantyhose do not provide any gradient compression or compression in the product except for the thigh and tummy area. Compression normally refers to a product that provides equal pressure through the garment. It will feel tight all over. Gradient compression products are provide the tightest ‘squeeze’ or pressure at the ankle and gradually decrease the pressure or ‘squeeze’ up the leg. This helps to improve circulation, energize tired legs, and prevent and reduce swelling.

Other Frequently Asked Compression Questions

• What is gradient compression?
• What does mmHg stand for?
• What are levels of compression?
• Are compression products hard to get on?
• Why is my gradient compression garment tighter than my regular pantyhose?
• What is the difference between “support,” “compression,” and “gradient compression”?

It's September again, and with the crisp fall air approaching, that can only mean one thing: back-to-school outfits. Cultivating your wardrobe, as a college student, poses a much more unique challenge than when your mom was picking out your outfits each morning. Students need to discover how to dress for a wide variety of social and professional situations. They must do this by incorporating functional pieces that are trendy, and they need to look good while doing this. It is imperative to acquire versatile pieces that can function well when attending classes, going out on the town, studying, engaging in athletic events and for professional engagements. The following three styles cover a multitude of situations that an undergrad may have to morph into on any given day.

The Academic

The first look you will need to master is "The Academic". This student needs to get dressed with little thought, but still look attractive, fashionable and be extremely comfortable. Sitting in a lecture hall for two and a half hours can be tedious, and comfort with style is the main concern for these students. An everyday staple for the Academic is the Therafirm Core-Spun Crew Sock. This everyday sock boasts comfort, moisture wicking technology, and keeps feet dry and cool. This item is perfect for constantly walking to and from classes. The Core-Spun Crew Sock also provides patented gradient compression technology. This compression will prevent legs from getting tired and achy after walking around campus and sitting in classes all day.

The Impression

You may be a senior preparing for job interviews, or perhaps you have a big presentation for your business class. Either way, Therafirm's Ease collection is what you need to have in your arsenal to make the best impression. The women's stockings contain a non-restrictive waistband to help ensure a comfortable all day wear and come in a multitude of styles, sizes and colors. Both the men's and women's lines contain trouser socks with your choice of compression grade. Both lines use micro-cool technology to keep you comfortable and dry all day, and come in a wide variety of colors and styles to go with an assortment of professional ensembles.

Therafirm's patented, affordable and stylish products have been a trusted name for over 50 years! You can be confident that you are buying a high quality product that will last. Incorporating these three essential pieces into your wardrobe will leave any campus bound person feeling confident that they are covered for most occasions. Be sure to check out the many other quality products that Therafirm has to choose from.

Once again, it is time to enroll in classes and purchase textbooks and other necessary supplies for the new school year. While expectant mothers going back to school may anticipate some mental stress throughout the semester as they cram for exams and try to meet deadlines, it’s important to also remember that school is hard on your body. You’ll want to take extra measures to ensure your health and the health of your growing baby.

All of that extra sitting in class and walking across campus puts pressure on your circulatory system, which can compound already existing swelling from your pregnancy. In some cases, poor blood flow leads to long-term problems such as varicose and spider veins. According to BabyCenter, pregnant women are more susceptible to getting varicose veins if other family members have had them and can get worse with each successive pregnancy. Fortunately, you can use these strategies to reduce your chances of developing long-term health issues while pregnant and stay comfortable throughout the upcoming school year.

Wearing Compression Garments

Pain and swelling in your feet, formally called edema, occur when the blood flow from your legs to your heart is disrupted and fluids accumulate in the lower region of your body. Your blood volume and bodily fluids increase by 50% to ensure that your baby has excess fluid in case they need it. Compression garments apply pressure to your veins and body tissues to help restore proper blood flow from the legs back to the heart. To achieve the highest level of comfort, it is not only recommended that pregnant women wear compression garments, but that they choose a style that applies the right amount of pressure needed for their level of swelling. Compression socks and legwear come in graduated levels that allow you to reduce your uncomfortable symptoms without feeling constricted. For instance, you may need compression hosiery that provides light to moderate support if you only experience mild swelling at the end of the day.

Maximize Your Comfort

As you go prepare to go to class each day, there are some things that you can do to increase the effectiveness of your compression garments. Always put your compression tights and hosiery on first thing in the morning. This helps to keep the valves on your veins in the proper position for optimum blood circulation. You can also make a few minor changes to your daily habits to improve swelling and pain in your lower extremities. For instance, you should try elevating your legs when sitting for long periods of time and getting up to move around periodically to increase blood circulation. Low intensity routines such as stretching, yoga, and meditation can also improve circulation by bringing attention to how your body is functioning such as its breathing patterns and placing your head lower than your heart.

Blend Comfort and Fashion

Just because you are wearing maternity clothes and going to school doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice fashion for comfort. Women’s compression tights are found in a variety of shades that you can match to your favorite outfits, and no one can even tell that they are designed to provide the right amount of support to reduce swelling in your feet and legs. Walking into a classroom with the confidence that you look and feel your best puts you in the right mindset for success.

Going to college is the perfect excuse to do a little back-to-school shopping and adding to your wardrobe can be both fashionable and functional by helping alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy in a trendy way. While you may not be able to avoid long walks across the campus, you can take charge of your comfort so that you feel amazing even at the end of the school day.

Compression garments, also referred to as compression clothing, are articles designed specifically for their ability to provide a tight and secure fit around the specific body part that they are intended to cover. Whether they are being used for athletic training, to decrease pregnancy swelling, or to make a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) more comfortable, there is a brand and style for every activity. Compression garments are so diverse in their capabilities that they can be utilized by different people for a variety of specific purposes.

Types of Compression Garments & Common Uses

There are numerous types and designs of compression garments. These articles of clothing are created to securely fit both the upper and lower body. Garments commonly created to fit the upper body are compression shirts and arm sleeves. Depending on a user's aesthetic taste or specific health or athletic needs, compression shirts are often available with and without sleeves. Garments designed for the lower body include compression socks, shorts, pants, tights and leg sleeves.

Compression garments can be worn by anyone. However, these products are typically donned by athletes aiming to maximize a workout regimen or heighten their performance in a given sport or for therapeutic purposes in people afflicted with specific illnesses. They also are popular amongst pregnant women, who wear them to reduce swelling and encourage continued circulation throughout their body.

Benefits of Wearing Compression Garments

Compression garments are believed to provide several benefits to the individuals who wear them including:

• Increased blood flow to impacted body regions by holding muscles in place. Constriction of the affected muscle is thought to potentially increase blood flow to the area in question and surrounding tissues. Such an occurrence is believed to help athletes maintain or gain an increased level of strength when performing physical endeavors.
• Reduced muscle fatigue caused by constriction and increased blood supply. It is believed that constricted body regions are less likely to suffer fatigue and will therefore be less susceptible to sustaining injuries such as strains and be more equipped to recover from incidents of soreness.
• Improved oxygen flow and circulation to affected muscles as a result of increased blood flow.
• Maintaining warmth and body temperature, even in the presence of perspiration and when engaging in exercise in cold, windy or rainy conditions.
• A tight fit that provides comfort and prevents clothing slippages, which can interfere with an athlete working out or in competition and, in severe cases, might cause freak accidents.

Medical Uses

Constrictive garments have been proven effective in helping individuals stricken with several health issues. However, the clothing articles are believed to be particularly beneficial when worn by people diagnosed with cardiovascular or blood circulation problems such as varicose veins, diabetes, coronary or peripheral artery disease and in the more rapid healing of ulcers caused by circulation issues.

Although there aren’t any restrictions regarding whom can or should wear compression garments, such clothing articles are typically most beneficial to athletes and individuals diagnosed with health problems related to decreased or poor blood circulation. Research conducted has shown that these garments may provide numerous health benefits to those who use them.

Sources:

1. https://share.upmc.com/2016/01/benefits-of-compression-gear/

2. https://www.physioroom.com/info/the-benefits-of-compression-clothing/

3. https://www.active.com/running/articles/is-compression-gear-really-effective

4. https://ec3dsports.com/blog/what-is-compression-garments/

Compression garments have long been known as being beneficial for people who struggle with symptoms of venous disorders and sensory processing issues. However, these types of clothing can also help you address a wide range of other problems that arise during the course of a normal day. Whether you have worn tights or socks in the past or are ready to add something new to your wardrobe, knowing about these benefits of wearing compression garments helps you get the most out of your clothing choices.

Feel an Instant Sense of Comfort

Fashion is important, but you should always feel comfortable in the clothing that you wear. For many people, the gentle pressure that compression garments place on the skin provide a sense of comfort that soothes stress. A majority of compression wear is also designed with features such as no seams so that you always feel amazing in your favorite styles.

Improve Post-Workout Recovery

Compression garments such as leggings and armbands have long held a place in sports. While some people simply enjoy the increased range of motion that these garments provide compared to other types of clothing, many athletes also prefer compression gear for the benefits that it provides for their post-workout recovery. Recent studies have shown that compression wear reduces the vibrations experienced by muscles during extreme physical activity, which can help to ease muscle fatigue and soreness that often follows a workout.

Add an Extra Layer of Warmth

Layering your clothing is the optimal way to fend off frigid temperatures during cooler weather. However, you may find that normal tights and undershirts add bulk to your frame that is uncomfortable and unattractive. Since compression garments are often made for you to wear under your regular clothing, you’ll find that the thinner fabric keeps the warmth closer to your skin without adding unnecessary bulk that makes movement difficult.

Create a Smooth Silhouette

Over the years, it’s normal to develop a few lumps and bumps in your figure, especially after pregnancy or weight loss. While these are all-natural parts of reaching a certain level of maturity, the truth is that you may lack confidence about wearing your favorite outfits because of how you look in the mirror. Compression hosiery and tights help to smooth out those minor imperfections in your legs and tummy so that you always look your best.

Enhance Your Personal Style

In the past, people shopping for compression garments were limited to neutral shades such as skin tones and white that were not always appealing. Now, designers have caught on to the fact that people love to experiment with different patterns and colors that enhance their appearance. Companies like Therafirm offer a wide range of lengths, compression levels, and styles in a variety of core-spun patterns. They were even Dr. Schoene's September product of the month! Whether you love sheer tights in the season’s most popular colors to wear under your dresses or can never have enough striped socks, you’ll find that your new compression wear actually enhances your wardrobe.

Your clothing choices are personal, and you should always feel as good as you look. As you explore the different types of compression garments that are available, be sure to keep your comfort and style in mind so that every new addition to your wardrobe helps you improve your happiness.

SOURCE:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2017/06/03/whats-the-science-behind-compression-tights-helping-you-run/#3acce6414cca 

Compression stockings have long been used to promote better blood circulation in individuals who are at risk for leg swelling and pain due to chronic health problems or recent surgery. However, they’ve recently been making headlines as more people begin to realize that they can help individuals beyond those who are pregnant or have varicose veins. Compression stockings can alleviate pain for anyone who is active. Their users range from Olympic athletes to anyone who must sit or stand for long periods of time such as flight attendants and warehouse employees. While it may seem strange to think that a pair of hosiery or socks could do so much, understanding the science behind how compression stockings boost blood circulation in your body can help you to see the benefits of incorporating them into your lifestyle.

The Science Behind Compression Wear

Your circulatory system begins with your heart pumping blood throughout the body via its arterial system. As the blood travels, it delivers electrolytes, oxygen and nutrients to muscles and organs before it returns to the heart through the venous system. While this system typically works fairly smoothly, minor issues with the venous system can generate problems. When the blood returns to the heart through your veins, it must flow against gravity. Issues such as weak valves or a sluggish blood flow can cause it to pool and lead to swelling and inflammation. Compression stockings apply pressure to these areas that stop blood from pooling in the legs and feet so that it flows back up to the heart. When this happens, many of the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency are alleviated.

Times When Compression Stockings Are Beneficial

There are many reasons why blood flow to the legs and feet may be restricted. In some cases, this is caused by an obvious physical reason such as needing to sit at a desk for long periods of time as an office worker or student. Pregnancy is another time when many people experience the symptoms of venous insufficiency due to an increased amount of blood flow and restrictions on the main arteries and veins. People with health conditions that reduce blood circulation such as diabetes will also find that compression stockings can help to improve blood flow. Athletes who engage in long, arduous workouts such as running marathons also find that adding compression garments to their gear reduces the fatigue and swelling that often restricts with their competitive edge.

Ways to Stylishly Include Comfort Wear in Your Wardrobe

Although venous disorders and pregnancy leg swelling are fairly common amongst the population, you may still prefer to avoid advertising your discomfort to the world. Fortunately, you have options for seamlessly including compression stockings into your wardrobe. First, begin by finding the right level of compression and size to fit your needs so that you know they will be comfortable. Then, look for stockings in your skin tone, or you can experiment with fun colors and patterns that look just like normal socks and tights.

Once you find the perfect pair of stockings, be sure to wear them during times when you expect leg pain and swelling such as before you go to work. This way, you can see the biggest results of boosting blood circulation in your body.

SOURCES:

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/cardiovascular_diseases/chronic_venous_insufficiency_85,P08250
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/boosting-circulation-with-compression-stockings

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening condition that happens when a blood clot forms in a vein within your body. In most cases, the clot occurs in a vein in the legs, and you can have more than one clot form at a time. Once a clot forms, you become at risk for it breaking away and traveling to your lungs where it can block blood flow to these vital organs. When this happens, it is called a pulmonary embolism, and emergency medical care becomes a necessity. While the complications involved with DVT are frightening, knowing your risk factors and how to promote better blood flow through your body helps you avoid developing a dangerous clot in your veins.

Watch for the Signs of DVT

The main symptoms of DVT involve pain and discoloration in the affected limb. Since the clots usually form in the legs, this pain often begins in the calf and feels a lot like cramps. You may also be able to see redness or feel warmth in the area where the clot forms. Keep in mind, however, that these symptoms can be subtle or not felt at all. If you feel like you may be experiencing DVT, then you should reach out to your physician. People with risk factors or symptoms such as shortness of breath that indicate a possible pulmonary embolism need to be assessed by a medical professional right away.

Identify Your Risk Factors

There are many risk factors associated with DVT, and you should be aware that having more than one of them increases your odds of having a clot form even more. Women who are pregnant or taking hormonal birth control medications are at risk for developing DVT due to changes in their blood volume and the way it circulates. Having a sedentary lifestyle, being on bedrest, or doing any activity that involves prolonged sitting such as flying also increases your risk because these activities slow blood flow. People over the age of 65 or who have a family history of blood clots should also be concerned about preventing DVT.

Take Preventative Action

As with many health issues, taking action now helps you prevent developing DVT. Naturally, you need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking and losing weight so that your body is better able to pump blood through your body. You can also wear compression garments to help restore circulation from your legs back up to your heart. In fact, a recent study found that compression socks were effective at reducing leg swelling and DVT in passengers who wore them on a flight. Increasing your movement by exercising every day and simply getting up to walk around during long periods of sitting can also help to keep the blood moving in your legs.

The prevention of DVT is as simple as improving your overall health and implementing lifestyle changes such as wearing compression garments that keep your circulatory functioning well. Whether you are pregnant and flying or have another known risk factor for developing DVT, taking action now allows you to benefit from knowing that you are doing everything you can to avoid a health emergency.

Compression socks and stockings are effective at easing the uncomfortable leg swelling that accompanies many different types of health conditions. Venous disorders, medication side effects, and pregnancy are just a few changes in your health that could lead to a need to prevent swollen feet and legs. While compression garments are easy to put on, you do need to know when to wear them to get the most relief from your symptoms and avoid potential issues that could occur from overuse.

Put Stockings on First Thing in the Morning

The ideal time to put on your compression garments is right after you get out of bed. Putting them on right when you wake up helps to prevent swelling that tends to get worse during the day. If you do forget to put on your compression garments first thing in the morning, then you should put them on as soon as you remember. Keep in mind that you may need to use other strategies to reduce swelling in your legs before you put compression socks on in the middle of the day. For instance, elevating your legs can help to make putting on your garments more comfortable.

Remove Compression Wear at Night

Although compression socks help to improve blood flow through your legs, you do want to make sure that you take them off at bedtime. This helps to prevent the possibility of constricting blood flow as you sleep. Since laying down temporarily reduces the effects of gravity on your circulatory system, you should not notice too much swelling in your legs after you take off the stockings. If you do notice swelling in your legs overnight, then you can try propping your feet up with a pillow to slightly elevate them and increase blood flow.

Know When to Wear Compression Socks for Other Purposes

For some people, it is not necessary to wear compression socks every day. This might be true for you if you only notice leg swelling after situations that require you to sit or stand for long periods of time. For instance, putting on your socks before a long flight helps to reduce swelling that occurs while traveling. Women who are pregnant may also choose to put their stockings on when they anticipate having to sit for long periods at work or school. Athletes also find that wearing their socks during a workout helps to reduce leg fatigue and boost circulation. The warmth provided by compression stockings is desirable for anyone who experiences slower circulation in their legs during cold weather.

After giving compression socks a try, you will want to wear them every day to increase blood flow to your legs that helps to alleviate swelling. Make putting them on each morning part of your normal daily routine, and experiment with different colors and styles until you find the ones that make you feel excited about the new addition to your wardrobe.