What is the goal of using compression on an injury?

The primary goal of using compression on an injury is to reduce swelling. When an injury occurs, particularly in soft tissue like muscles or ligaments, there is often an inflammatory response that leads to fluid accumulation in the affected area. Compression helps limit this fluid buildup, thereby minimizing swelling. By applying pressure to the injured site, compression aids in controlling the hemorrhagic response and supports the body's natural healing process.

Effective use of compression can prevent excessive swelling from developing, which could impair mobility and prolong healing time. This is especially important in the acute phase of injury management, as excessive swelling can lead to increased pain and stiffness in the affected area.

While alleviating pain, improving circulation, and stabilizing the injury are important aspects of injury management, they are not the primary goal of compression. Instead, compression directly targets swelling reduction, making it a critical component in sports first aid treatments for soft tissue injuries.