Compression terms: Defining terminology of compression therapy - An international compression club consensus document

BackgroundThe terminology in compression therapy is not always consistent. Confusion arises from layers, components, materials, whether elastic or inelastic, stiff or not stiff, compression class, and other terms. The aim of this paper is to define a standard terminology for compression therapy.Methodthe International Compression Club (ICC) board members prepared a draft consensus paper, which was circulated among the ICC members and refined by GM according to the comments and suggestions received.ResultsAll the terms used in compression therapy, from the definition to the materials, compression kits or systems, their physical properties, compression pressure, compression characteristics, and components and layers, were considered and agreed upon.ConclusionsThe given definitions allow for consistent classification of compression materials or devices. The International Compression Club hopes that the proposed terminology will be widely accepted and that papers and congress presentations on compression will use precise terminology.