Clinical Application of Limb Exercise, Elastic Stockings and Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in the Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

In the present study, the clinical application of physical techniques for preventing deep vein thrombosis was described in accordance with our results and the available scientific evidence in the literatures. Of simple physical techniques including limb exercise, calf squeezing, limb elevation and deep respiration, ankle exercise or calf squeezing, which are performed maximally, might be the first recommendation for promoting venous return and reducing venous stasis at the calf. Of ankle exercises, dorsi-plantar flexion of the ankle is considered to be the most effective in. prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. In intermittent pneumatic compression (calf pump), the optimal compression pressure is approximately 45 mmHg at the ankle level. The simultaneous use of elastic stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression is not contraindicated.