Compression 101

Welcome to RejuvaHealth! If you are new to the world of compression, you probably have some questions and lucky for you, we have answers. First you might be wondering...

What is Compression? 

Compression socks (or stockings, thigh highs, pantyhose, leggings and calf sleeves) are specially designed garments that hug your legs by applying graduated pressure to your ankle and up your leg to improve circulation. ‘Graduated’ means that the pressure is strongest at your ankle and decreases up your leg. This is why you see the level of compression stated as a numerical range. This range is followed by mmHg, millimeters of mercury, which is how the amount of compression is measured.
RejuvaHealth offers three levels of graduated compression:

15-20 mmHg offers a mild compression for mild ankle and leg swelling, mild discomfort, minor spider and varicose veins, and tired, achy legs. This level of graduated compression is most commonly used for travel, mild edema (swelling), pregnancy, spider veins and mild varicose veins and is a commonly suggested entry level for therapeutic applications. If you haven’t worn compression before, 15-20 mmHg is a great level to start with.

20-30 mmHg offers moderate compression for moderate ankle and leg swelling, moderate discomfort, moderate spider and varicose veins and other conditions as physician recommended. This firmer support level is most commonly used for POTS, moderate edema, lymphedema, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), post-surgical applications and pregnancy. 

30-40 mmHg offers firm compression for severe varicose veins, advanced venous deficiencies and other severe medical conditions. This very firm support level is most commonly used for severe edema, lymphedema, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and post surgical applications. Typically, this level of compression is reserved for advanced conditions and should only be worn on the recommendation of a physician. Please consult with your doctor before wearing this firm level of support. 

What does compression do for your body? 

We’re glad you asked! Your body's circulatory system is working hard to move blood from your heart, to your toes, and back again. Some days we are constantly on the go and the flexing of our calf muscles acts as the pump to move the blood back up our legs. Other days we may be sitting or standing for long periods of time, which causes blood to pool in the ankles. The wearing of compression socks helps combat this and keeps the blood circulating which energizes your legs and reduces the feelings of fatigue and heaviness. 

Why wear compression?

Although having certain medical conditions is one main reason people wear compression, it isn’t the only one.  A growing number of people wear compression for preventative measures and to improve their overall health and wellness.  
- Medical conditions like POTS, lymphedema, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and venous insufficiency as well post-sclerotherapy require the daily wearing of compression garments to increase circulation, reduce edema and keep it reduced. 
- Wearing compression socks or leggings prevents spider and varicose veins from forming, especially during pregnancy, as well as prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from sitting for a long period of time while traveling by plane or car.
- Wellness, a growing number of people who don’t require daily wear of compression for a medical reason wear compression socks or leggings for general wellness. This includes:
  • Pregnant women who are retaining water in the ankles and feet and want to decrease swelling
  • Athletes who want to improve performance, reduce the risk of injury and prevent soreness during recovery wear socks or calf sleeves.
  • Anyone who sits or stands for an extended amount of time to alleviate swollen ankles and tired, achy legs

But do they look good?

When most people hear about compression socks, they imagine uncomfortable, unattractive socks that are a yellowy beige color, or maybe they picture their grandma with her knee highs rolled down to her ankles. RejuvaHealth is not about all that! Like you, we are women who want to look good and feel good so everything you see on this website is medical grade compression that can compliment any outfit whether you are going to brunch with the girls, the office or a formal occasion.