Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and tenderness in muscles and soft tissues. Because medications don’t always fully relieve symptoms, many people look for complementary therapies. One of them is compression therapy—using wraps, garments, pneumatic devices, or pressure suits to apply controlled pressure to the body. But what do we know about whether it helps in fibromyalgia? Here’s a breakdown.
What Exactly Is Compression Therapy
The idea is these can improve blood flow, reduce fluid swelling (edema), help muscle recovery, reduce pain signals, and support soft tissues.
Compression therapy refers to several different techniques:
- Compression garments like Jelliebend or other products that apply steady pressure.
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Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices, which inflate and deflate sections of a sleeve or boot, creating a “pumping” effect.
- Pressotherapy, a commercial version of IPC or sequential compression machines used in clinics or spas.
How Compression Might Address Key Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Here are ways compression could help with common FM symptoms:
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Improving circulation & reducing swelling
Compression can help push blood and lymph fluid through tissues, preventing pooling of fluid in limbs, and enhancing removal of waste from muscles. That may reduce the “achy”, heavy feeling many with FM report.
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Reducing muscle soreness and fatigue
By supporting muscles and improving oxygen and nutrient delivery (via better circulation), compression may help muscles recover faster and feel less sore, especially after exertion or prolonged standing/sitting.
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Modulating pain signals
Compression might help by providing gentle sensory input that can interfere with pain pathways (sometimes called the gate theory of pain), or by reducing inflammatory factors through improved circulation.
What the Scientific Evidence Says
There is very little direct research specific to fibromyalgia using compression garments or IPC, however, Compression (more broadly) is well-established to reduce swelling, improve blood flow, and help with conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and after surgery. These findings suggest mechanisms that might be helpful in FM too. (Cleveland Clinic) Patient-reported experiences and smaller observational accounts (non-rigorous) include relief of limb heaviness, decreased swelling, less leg fatigue after wearing compression. These are promising but need stronger trials. (GymIT)
Bottom Line: Compression therapy from garments such as Jelliebend hold promise as a low-risk, accessible tool that may help reduce some fibromyalgia symptoms—especially swelling, muscle fatigue, and discomfort. While it’s not (yet) proven to fully resolve FM, many of the mechanisms by which compression works overlap with areas that tend to trouble people with FM, such as poor circulation, pain amplification, and soft tissue discomfort. If you try it, do so carefully, listen to your body, and use it as part of an overall strategy (activity, rest, medical care).
Sources:
- J-M Araújo et al. Physical therapy modalities for treating fibromyalgia. 2019. (PMC)
- G. Hains & F. Hains. “A combined ischemic compression and spinal manipulation in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a preliminary estimate of dose and efficacy.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2000. (PubMed)
- Cleveland Clinic. “Compression Therapy: Types and Benefits.” July 2022. (Cleveland Clinic)
- Tessari M et al. “Effects of intermittent pneumatic compression treatment on …” Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 2018. (JVS Venous)
Medical disclaimer: ✨ Jelliebend is a wellness product. If you’re managing health conditions, check with your physician before use.