What to Know About Pneumatic Compression Therapy?
Release time:
2026-04-13
Air Compression Therapy Device is centered around pressure therapy as its core treatment principle. It works by sequentially and repeatedly inflating and deflating multi-chamber air bags, generating cyclic pressure on the limbs and tissues. This creates a uniform, orderly, and appropriate compression from the distal to the proximal ends of the limbs, promoting the flow of blood and lymph fluid, improving microcirculation, and accelerating the return of interstitial fluid in the limbs. As a result, it helps prevent the formation of thrombosis and limb edema, and can directly or indirectly treat various diseases related to blood and lymphatic circulation.
Clinical Significance of Pneumatic Compression Therapy
- Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Increases blood flow velocity, prevents blood stasis, and reduces the likelihood of thrombus formation.
- Promotion of Recovery from Trauma and Orthopedic Conditions: Promotes the metabolism of inflammatory substances, accelerates postoperative recovery, and prevents muscle atrophy.
- Reduction of Limb Edema: Promotes blood and lymphatic circulation, improving edema.
Significance of Pneumatic Compression Therapy: It plays an important role in preventing pressure ulcers (bedsores) and lower limb deep vein thrombosis in the elderly, and is of great significance in the prevention of thrombotic diseases.
The following relevant research is provided for your reference. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10895197/

What conditions is the Pneumatic Compression Therapy Suitable for?
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous insufficiency.
- Various types of primary, secondary, and mixed edema, such as lymphedema and postpartum edema.
- Bone injuries, including fractures, femoral head necrosis, and soft tissue injuries.
- Peripheral neuritis and diabetic foot caused by diabetes.
- Postoperative rehabilitation patients.
- Patients with limb paralysis.
- Patients with varicose veins.
- Patients who stand, sit, or are bedridden for extended periods.

Which departments is Pneumatic Compression Therapy Suitable for?
- Rehabilitation Department
- General Surgery Department
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Departments
- Orthopedics Department
- Geriatrics Department
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
- ICU/CCU
- Suitable for hospital-wide promotion.

What are the Contraindications of Pneumatic Compression Therapy?
Although compression therapy has many benefits, to ensure safety, it is generally not recommended under the following specific conditions:
1. Severe Arterial Disease: Such as severe peripheral arterial disease or arterial occlusion. External compression may further reduce blood supply to the limbs, potentially leading to tissue ischemia or necrosis. Patients with an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) below 0.6 or ankle arterial pressure below 60 mmHg are especially contraindicated.
2. Acute Phase of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): During the acute phase of thrombosis, external compression may dislodge the thrombus, leading to pulmonary embolism (blockage of the pulmonary artery), which is very dangerous.
3. Severe Heart Failure or Pulmonary Edema: In patients with severely compromised cardiac function (e.g., NYHA Class IV), pressure therapy increases venous return, which may overload the heart and worsen the condition.
4. Active Lesions in the Treatment Area: Including infections (e.g., cellulitis), unhealed wounds, fresh surgical incisions, severe dermatitis, or ulcers. Compression is not conducive to infection control or wound healing.
5. Suspected or Confirmed Bleeding Tendency: Including ongoing deep hematoma, coagulation disorders, or uncontrolled use of anticoagulant medications. Compression may exacerbate bleeding or lead to new hematoma formation.
6.Implanted Electronic Devices: Such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Although some devices may be compatible, consultation with a physician is required to prevent electromagnetic interference that could affect device function.
7. Other Special Conditions:
Severe Peripheral Neuropathy: For example, in patients with poorly controlled diabetes who have lost sensation in their limbs, they may not perceive discomfort, which could lead to compression injury.
Pregnancy: Particularly when extensive compression is applied to the abdomen and lower limbs, strict medical guidance is required.
Bone Tumors, Tuberculosis, or Unstable Fractures: Direct compression over these areas may pose risks.
Note: This list covers the most common core contraindications in clinical practice, but is not exhaustive. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is required before treatment.

Precautions during the use of Pneumatic Compression Therapy.
- Treatment should be performed while the patient is awake.
- Treatment should not be applied to both upper limbs simultaneously, but may be applied to both lower limbs at the same time.
- For elderly patients or those with poor vascular elasticity, the pressure should start low and be gradually increased to the patient's tolerance level. Begin at 60 mmHg, then increase by 10 mmHg each day up to 120 mmHg.
- If the patient's limb areas are exposed, please ensure they wear a disposable cotton isolation gown or sleeve protector to prevent cross‑infection.
- Before each treatment, examine the affected limb. If there are ulcers without formed eschar or pressure injuries, they should be isolated and protected before proceeding with treatment. If there is a bleeding wound, treatment should be postponed.
The Advantages of Air Compression Therapy Device from Sunnyou Medical.

- LCD display for easy operation.
- Features 10 pressure therapy modes + 20 custom programmable favorite modes.
- Equipped with a one‑knob shuttle control for intuitive operation.
- Treatment time can be set in minutes or hours, with support for continuous treatment.
- Supports gradient therapy and plantar therapy.
- Features zero‑jump and single‑chamber pressure adjustment functions.
- Dual safety protection with emergency stop and over‑pressure protection.
- Built‑in blood refill detection function.
- Pressure range: 0–36 kPa (0–270 mmHg).
- Pressure display units are switchable between kPa and mmHg.
- Multiple configurations available: portable, desktop, with trolley, single‑channel, dual‑channel, etc.
- Multiple pressure sleeve options available: 4‑chamber, 8‑chamber, 12‑chamber, 6‑chamber, etc.
- Optional: cerebellar electrical stimulation and dual‑limb electrical stimulation functions.
- Optional: heat therapy function.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What diseases can air compression therapy device be used to treat?
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous insufficiency
- Various types of primary, secondary, and mixed edema, such as lymphedema and postpartum edema
- Bone injuries, including fractures, femoral head necrosis, and soft tissue injuries
- Peripheral neuritis and diabetic foot caused by diabetes
- Postoperative rehabilitation patients
- Patients with limb paralysis
- Patients with varicose veins
- Patients who stand, sit, or are bedridden for extended periods
2. Which groups of people should not use air compression therapy device?
- Severe aortic regurgitation, aortic aneurysm and dissecting aneurysm, and various arrhythmias;
- Patients using implanted electronic devices (such as pacemakers); pregnant women;
- Deep vein thrombosis in the limbs;
- Bone tumors, bone and joint tuberculosis; for patients with severe coagulation disorders, treatment should be considered based on clinical evaluation, as there is a risk of hematoma at the site of friction between the limb and the inflatable balloon;
- Contraindicated in patients with trauma, postoperative wounds, ulcers, or existing thrombosis in the limbs;
- Electrode therapy is prohibited on surgical wounds and traumatic wound surfaces.
- Treatment should not be performed on patients with sickle cell disease or those for whom damage is anticipated.
3. What certifications does your company have for air compression therapy device?
We have ISO13485, ISO 9001 and CE certificate.
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