Welcome back to the Bendy Club blog! This week, we’re delving into a topic that can significantly enhance your quality of life: Using compression for dysautonomia and POTS. If you’ve been searching for ways to manage your symptoms more effectively, this blog is for you.
Why This Matters
Dysautonomia encompasses a range of conditions that impact the autonomic nervous system, often leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and blood pressure irregularities. Compression wear can be a game-changer in managing these symptoms, helping you stay active and engaged in your daily life.
The Role of Compression Wear in Dysautonomia
Compression garments work by applying pressure to your legs and abdomen, which can help improve blood flow and reduce pooling of blood in your lower extremities. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a common form of dysautonomia.
Key Benefits:
- Improved Circulation: Compression wear enhances venous return, helping blood flow back to your heart more efficiently.
- Reducing Blood Pooling: By compressing the lower extremities the blood will pool less severely. This can lessen episodes of dizziness and fainting, but also stop the adrenaline surge that occurs when the body senses less blood in the head and upper body.
- Enhanced Stamina: Better circulation can lead to increased energy levels and reduced fatigue.
- Symptom Management: Consistent use of compression wear can help manage other dysautonomia symptoms like swelling and pain. Compression garments provide increased stability to the covered joints. More stability, less pain.
Choosing the Right Compression Wear
Not all compression wear is created equal. Here are some tips to help you choose the best option for your needs:
- Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality compression wear from reputable brands to ensure durability and effectiveness.
- Fit is Key: Proper fit is crucial for comfort and efficacy. Take accurate measurements of your legs and abdomen to find the right size.
- Types of Garments: Options include compression socks, stockings, and abdominal binders. Your choice will depend on your specific symptoms and lifestyle. I generally describe it to patients in the following way. Small compression socks are the most minimal option, stockings that go up to below the knee are a little more, stockings that go above the knee are even more. Full on spanks or body shaping leggings are more than that, and an abdominal binder on top of that is the most.
You can use different options depending on your symptoms that day. If it is a day with less severe dysautonomia symptoms then maybe you just wear the compression socks up to the calf. On another day with more severe symptoms you wear compression socks, spanks, and an abdominal binder. Think of it as a sliding scale you can use as needed.
How to Incorporate Compression Wear into Your Routine
- Start Gradually: If you’re new to compression wear, start by wearing them for a few hours each day and gradually increase the duration.
- Combine with Hydration: Staying well-hydrated with use of electrolytes can enhance the benefits of compression wear by supporting overall blood volume and circulation. See our other posts to learn more about proper hydration techniques.
- Wear During Key Times: Consider wearing compression garments during activities that typically trigger your symptoms, such as standing for long periods or exercising.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how you feel while using compression wear to determine its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.
Real Stories, Real Solutions
Sarah’s Experience
Sarah, a POTS patient, found that wearing compression stockings significantly improved her daily life. “Before I started using compression wear, I struggled with constant dizziness and fatigue. Now, I can manage my symptoms much better, and I feel more energetic and stable throughout the day,” she shares. “It’s been a true game-changer for me.”
Share Your Journey
We encourage you to share your experiences and connect with others on our social media platforms. By building a supportive community, we can help each other navigate the challenges of living with dysautonomia.
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Thank you for being part of the Bendy Club. Together, we can make a difference!
Warm regards,
The Hypermobile Solutions Team
References
The Dysautonomia Dispatch. https://dysautonomiainternational.org/blog/wordpress/the-skinny-on-compression-stockings/
Dysautonomia. The Ehlers Danlos Society. (2024b, May 7). https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/dysautonomia/
Home. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/
What is HSD?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-hsd/
What is eds?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/
Jovin, D., Atwal, P., Herman, K., Block, N., Maxwell, A. J., Mitakides, J., Maitland, A. M., Saperstein, D., Hamilton, M., Schofield, J., Koby, M., Klinge, P., McElroy, A., Bluestein, L., Chopra, P., Tishler, J., Pocinki, A. G., Varga, J., Dempsey, T., … Lane, K. (2020). Disjointed: Navigating the diagnosis and management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. Hidden Stripes Publications, Inc.
Smith, C., & Wicks, D. (2017). Understanding Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder: (previously known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type & Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, respectively). Redcliff-House Publications.
Cox, C. (2022). Holding it all together when you’re Hypermobile. Journey2Joy
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no provider/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.