---
title: "What Is Compression Therapy? How Pneumatic Compression Works"
url: https://icryo-westminster.com/blog/what-is-compression-therapy
description: "Pneumatic compression uses air-filled sleeves to squeeze and release your legs, supporting circulation and recovery. Learn how it works in Westminster, CO."
lang: en
---

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# What Is Compression Therapy? How Pneumatic Compression Works

Updated October 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Image: Client reclining with pneumatic compression boots — iCRYO Westminster, CO wellness guide (https://icryo-westminster.com/__l5e/assets-v1/072e43d6-dffc-43e8-aef0-ba8520471b7d/icryo-westminster-co-what-is-compression-therapy.webp)

Imagine sliding into a pair of oversized boots, leaning back and letting a rhythmic, full-leg squeeze melt away the heaviness from a long day.

That's compression therapy at iCRYO Westminster (https://icryo-westminster.com/services/compression-therapy). Here's how it works and who it's for.

## What Is Compression Therapy?

Compression therapy uses **pneumatic** (air-powered) sleeves that wrap around your legs (and sometimes arms or hips). The sleeves fill with air in sections, applying gentle, rhythmic pressure.

You might know it as "compression boots," the kind you've seen pro athletes use on the sidelines.

## How It Works

Your body moves fluid in two main ways:

- **Blood circulation**, pumped by your heart
- **Lymphatic flow**, which depends on muscle movement to move fluid and waste

When you're sore, tired or sitting for long periods, fluid can build up in your legs.

Compression therapy mimics the natural muscle pump. The sleeves inflate from your feet upward in a wave, helping move fluid toward your heart. Then they release, and the cycle repeats.

## What a Session Is Like

1. **Slip on the sleeves** over your clothes
2. **Lean back** and get comfortable
3. **Relax** as the sleeves inflate and deflate rhythmically
4. **Adjust pressure** as needed for comfort
5. **Walk out feeling lighter**, with no downtime

## Who Uses Compression Therapy?

- **Runners, cyclists and skiers** after training or competition
- **People who stand or sit all day**
- **Travelers** after long flights or drives
- **Anyone with tired, heavy legs**

See Compression Therapy Benefits (https://icryo-westminster.com/blog/compression-therapy-benefits).

## Who Should Talk to a Provider First?

Compression therapy isn't right for everyone. Talk with us or your doctor first if you have:

- A history of blood clots (DVT)
- Congestive heart failure or other heart conditions
- Open wounds, infections or skin conditions on your legs
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Pregnancy

## Compression vs. Lymphatic Massage

How does it compare to a manual lymphatic drainage massage? Read Pneumatic Compression vs. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (https://icryo-westminster.com/blog/compression-vs-manual-lymphatic-drainage).

## Pair It With Other Recovery Services

Compression pairs well with cryotherapy (https://icryo-westminster.com/services/cryotherapy), infrared sauna (https://icryo-westminster.com/services/infrared-sauna) and red light therapy (https://icryo-westminster.com/services/red-light-therapy). It's also a nice complement to T-Shape 2 (https://icryo-westminster.com/services/t-shape-2) body treatments.

## Compression Therapy Myths vs. Facts

**Myth: "It's the same as wearing compression socks."** Fact: Compression socks apply steady pressure. Pneumatic compression inflates and deflates in sequence, creating a wave that mimics your muscles' natural pump.

**Myth: "Compression therapy is only for elite athletes."** Fact: Pros made it popular, but it's great for anyone with tired legs, including nurses, teachers, travelers and weekend warriors.

**Myth: "More pressure is always better."** Fact: Comfortable pressure is the goal. Our team adjusts the settings so the session feels good.

**Myth: "It treats swelling from any cause."** Fact: Sudden, painful or one-sided swelling needs a doctor's evaluation, not a recovery session.

Ready to give your legs a break?

## Compression Therapy in Westminster, CO

iCRYO Westminster is at **14613 Orchard Pkwy #200, Westminster, CO 80023**, just off I-25 with free parking. We welcome clients from Broomfield, Thornton, Northglenn, Arvada, Federal Heights and north Denver.

- See our current intro offers: https://icryo-westminster.com/deals
- Book your intro visit: https://icryo-westminster.com/book-now
- Get your free personalized wellness plan: https://icryo-westminster.com/free-wellness-plan

Questions? Call (720) 222-0224.

## Compression Therapy FAQs

What is compression therapy?

Pneumatic compression therapy uses air-filled sleeves, usually on your legs, that inflate and deflate in a pattern to gently squeeze and release your muscles, supporting circulation and recovery.

What does compression therapy feel like?

It feels like a firm, rhythmic massage. Most people find it very relaxing.

How long is a compression therapy session?

Sessions often last about 20 to 30 minutes.

Who should not use compression therapy?

People with blood clots, certain heart conditions, active infections or open wounds in the area, or other circulation conditions should talk with a provider first.

iCRYO Westminster Team

The iCRYO Westminster team helps clients across the north Denver metro look and feel their best.

## Related Articles

Compression Therapy Benefits for Recovery and Circulation

Faster-feeling recovery, less soreness, lighter legs and pure relaxation. Here are the benefits of pneumatic compression therapy at iCRYO Westminster, CO.
https://icryo-westminster.com/blog/compression-therapy-benefits

Pneumatic Compression vs. Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Compression boots or a lymphatic drainage massage? Compare how they work, how they feel and which fits your goals for recovery and puffiness.
https://icryo-westminster.com/blog/compression-vs-manual-lymphatic-drainage

How Often Should You Use Compression Therapy?

How often should you use compression boots for recovery, travel or tired legs? Get session length, frequency and timing tips from iCRYO Westminster, CO.
https://icryo-westminster.com/blog/how-often-compression-therapy

Learn more about Compression Therapy in Westminster, CO

View the Compression Therapy service page →
https://icryo-westminster.com/services/compression-therapy

Start your wellness journey in Westminster

Get Your Free Wellness Plan: https://icryo-westminster.com/free-wellness-plan
Book Your Intro: https://icryo-westminster.com/book-now

(720) 222-0224 (+17202220224)

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