Air Compression Leg Massager with Heat
I only discovered these air compression leg massager units very recently. Poor blood circulation resulting in swelling and cold feet and legs has been one of the worse symptoms of PMA for me. In the past couple of years, I have tried just about everything from heated socks, heated insoles, hot water bottles, electric blanket, lambswool slippers, etc. Of all the things I have tried, this air compression therapy device has been, without a doubt the most successful.
What causes Swelling (edema) and Cold Feet?
Most of us learn about muscles in biology at school. However, most of us never learn how muscle activity helps to move blood around our bodies. Even my own neurologist was apparently unaware of the severity of these problems for many Motor Neuron Disease sufferers. In fact, he ordered a Doppler (Ultrasound) test of my legs to check for abnormalities other than PMA that might account for it. Lately, I have seen numerous posts from pALS and cALS regarding swelling and lack of temperature control. On further research, I have learned that blood circulation is a major factor in controlling body temperature. Again, most of us are aware that the heart is the major organ that pumps blood. However, in the extremities, there is often not enough blood pressure to recirculate the blood. Normal muscle movement activity then serves to supplement the heart’s efforts. When this fails, blood pools in the feet and lower legs resulting in swelling, discoloration and lack of heat control.
How Does Air Compression Help?
Most of us have had some type of massage at some point in our lives. Indeed, it was prescribed for me by both my GP and my neurologist. However, getting to the RMT office (especially in winter), dressing, undressing, getting on and off the massage table all counterbalanced the positive effects of the treatments themselves. After 4 sessions, I gave up.
Just 20 minutes of sitting with my legs in the air compression leg massager is enough to leave me with benefits for the balance of the day.
Where Can I find one?
Although I had never heard of these devices before, it turns out that they are widely available. They are available with differing sizes, functions and can come with or without the heat function. Prices in Canada range from $90 – $300. The ones I purchased were $159 CAD and have three massage cycles, three levels of compression and two levels of optional heat.
