In short
Medical compression garments need to be precisely fitted to the patient’s morphology to be effective, whether stockings, sleeves, or broader compression garments. Medical compression garments 3D scanning makes it possible to capture these measurements directly from a smartphone, in clinic or remotely, using MyFit mobile photogrammetry. The resulting data replaces the tape measure and is directly usable for manufacturing the garment, with no specialized hardware.
What is a medical compression garment?
Compression garments are designed to apply graduated pressure to a part of the body: stronger near the treated area, gradually decreasing further away. Common examples include:
- compression t-shirts, gloves, hoods, pants, socks, or jackets;
- sternal compression vests.
This compression can improve blood circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, speed up recovery after physical effort, or help prevent certain injuries. It’s also prescribed following certain surgical procedures, or for treating conditions such as lymphedema, severe burns, deep vein thrombosis, or post-phlebitic syndrome.
Why wear compression garments?
Compression garments offer benefits in both medical and sports contexts.
In the medical field
For Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, severe burns, or post-surgical care, elastic compression garments play a role in relieving symptoms. By supporting blood and lymphatic circulation, they can help reduce swelling, ease pain, and support the healing process.
For deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and post-phlebitic syndrome (PPS), elastic compression garments support venous return toward the heart, which can help reduce the risk of complications linked to these conditions.
For lymphedema, compression garments can help reduce swelling and support lymphatic drainage.
In sports
Graduated compression helps limit unwanted muscle vibration, which can reduce muscle fatigue and effort-related soreness. It’s also associated with better blood circulation and reduced lactic acid buildup, supporting faster muscle recovery after exercise.
By boosting blood flow, compression helps deliver better oxygenation to the muscles during physical activity, which can help reduce tension and the risk of muscle injury. Compression garments also provide an extra protective layer against friction and skin irritation, and help stabilize joints.
Compression vs. containment: what’s the difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe distinct principles:
- Containment acts as a passive external support that limits the expansion of tissue and blood or lymphatic vessels — useful for preventing varicose veins or edema.
- Compression applies active, graduated pressure along the limb to support venous return toward the heart.
Medical compression garments are manufactured to precise technical specifications, with graduated pressure decreasing along the length of the treated limb.
Why does a proper fit matter?
A poorly fitted compression garment can undermine treatment effectiveness, and may even cause injury or complications. It needs to be comfortable, free of excessive pressure points or folds that could cause skin irritation, and cover the treated area at the right length.
Properly fitting the garment to the patient’s morphology is therefore essential for both effectiveness and comfort — including in cases where direct access to the patient isn’t possible.
How does medical compression garments 3D scanning work?
Designing a custom compression garment requires precise data on the morphology of the area being treated: length, width, circumference, and other relevant anatomical measurements, whether for a leg stocking, a torso vest, or any other compression garment.
With MyFit Solutions, this capture is done via a mobile app relying on MyFit mobile photogrammetry, directly in clinic or remotely. A smartphone is all it takes to capture the dimensions and shape of the area involved, with no costly equipment or complex process. The resulting 3D model can then be viewed and downloaded from the MyFit Solutions web platform.
Tape measure or medical compression garments 3D scanning: what’s the difference?
| Criteria | Tape measure | MyFit mobile 3D scanning |
| Required equipment | Tape measure | None, just the smartphone camera |
| Measurement reliability | Depends on the operator | Guided by the app, reproducible |
| Remote capability | No | Possible |
| Data obtained | Point measurements | 3D model + usable digital measurements |
| Integration with manufacturing tools | Manual | Direct, via the web platform |
What are the benefits of medical compression garments 3D scanning?
- Simplicity: the scanning experience is guided and intuitive, in clinic or remotely.
- Reliability: the digital measurements obtained are directly usable for manufacturing the garment, with no manual re-entry.
- Operational efficiency: the solution integrates easily into clinical practice or remote care settings, for fast deployment.
- Fewer returns: a garment better fitted to the patient’s morphology reduces the risk of size-related returns.
This same approach applies to more specific compression products, such as compression stockings, or other body areas like 3D leg scanning.
FAQ
Unlike a tape measure or a physical mold, MyFit mobile photogrammetry requires no specialized hardware and works on a standard iOS or Android smartphone, with data directly usable in manufacturing tools.
Yes, it makes measurement easier once the prescription has been made by a healthcare professional.
Lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis, post-phlebitic syndrome, severe burns, or certain post-surgical situations, on medical prescription.
No. MyFit mobile photogrammetry works with the standard camera on a smartphone, with no additional sensor or accessory.
