Pressotherapy safety and contraindications

Important: this page summarises the safety information supplied by the manufacturer. It is not medical advice. Before buying or using a pressotherapy device, check with your doctor or physiotherapist that it is right for you. They can also advise which cuffs, programs and pressure settings to use.

Contraindications

The CarePump user manuals list the following contraindications to pressotherapy. Do not use a pressotherapy device if any of these apply, unless your doctor has specifically advised that it is safe:

• pain or numbness of unknown origin
• severe atherosclerosis or ischaemia (vascular diseases are a relative contraindication)
• pregnancy
• hypertension or other blood pressure disorders
• a pacemaker
• thrombophlebitis
• skin diseases, moles, dermatitis or wounds in the treated area
• lymphangitis
• arthritis
• high body temperature
• thick, visible varicose veins
• heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia), myocardial ischaemia, or heart or respiratory failure
• asthma
• tumours, infiltrates or cancer
• kidney failure

The Polish Society of Lymphology guide adds that people with advanced atherosclerosis, advanced diabetes (with diabetic microangiopathy), reduced feeling in the limbs (for example diabetic polyneuropathy) or varicose veins should not use pneumatic compression without first consulting a doctor or physiotherapist.

Stop the session if you notice

• pain in the treated limb
• changes in feeling, such as numbness or tingling, in the treated limb
• bruising at the end of the treated limb (hand or foot)
• new or increased swelling in the genital area when using leg cuffs
• persistent itching under the cuff
• unexplained anxiety or feeling generally unwell

Stop the treatment straight away with the stop button on the screen, or the patient safety button if your unit has one, and speak to your doctor, physiotherapist or OMED.

Possible side effects

The manuals note that pressotherapy can sometimes cause a short-term increase in pain, small red spots on the skin (petechiae), and bruising.

Safe-use tips

• Start with a low pressure. The Polish Society of Lymphology recommends that the first session uses a pressure no higher than your diastolic blood pressure measured on the treated limb.
• Lie on your back with your head slightly raised, or sit with the arm supported. Do not treat a limb that is hanging down.
• Wear thin, non-restrictive clothing under the cuffs. Do not put the cuffs directly on bare skin.
• Remove jewellery and watches and empty your pockets before putting on the cuffs.
• People who have had lymph nodes removed but have not yet had swelling should avoid programs with a zero pressure gradient, such as Prevention, relaxation. See the therapy programs guide.