Ginsberg JS, Brill-Edwards P, Kowalchuk G, Hirsh J.
Intermittent compression units for the postphlebitic syndrome.
A pilot study.
Arch Intern Med. 1989 Jul;149(7):1651-2.

Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
The postphlebitic syndrome is a common affliction with limited therapeutic
options. Patients who fail to respond to treatment with
graded elastic compression stockings often develop a chronic pain syndrome
manifested by intractable pain and swelling.
Because lymphedema, a condition also associated with leg pain and swelling,
has been successfully treated by intermittent compressive therapy with an
extremity pump, we conducted a pilot study of compressive therapy in
patients with severe postphlebitic syndrome. All five patients studied had
dramatic improvement in symptoms and functional status without side
effects. Although a large randomized trial is needed to properly
evaluate compressive therapy, it appears to be very effective
in selected patients.