Blood Clots: What You Need to Know
How to recognize the signs, reduce your risk, and support your recovery with movement and smart tools
Most people don’t think about blood clots—until it’s too late.
But the reality is that deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is more common than you might realize, especially after surgery, injury, or long periods of inactivity.
At SB Physio, we believe prevention starts with awareness—and continues with movement, circulation support, and the right recovery tools.
🩸 What Is a Blood Clot?
A blood clot is a gel-like mass of blood that forms in a vein—usually in the leg. While clotting helps stop bleeding after an injury, clots that form without reason can block blood flow and cause major complications.
If a clot breaks off and travels to your lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE)—a life-threatening emergency.
🚨 Warning Signs of a DVT
Know the red flags:
Swelling in one leg (especially the calf or thigh)
Warmth, redness, or discoloration
Pain or tenderness not linked to a clear injury
A “heavy” or tight feeling in the leg
Call your doctor or seek urgent care if you also notice:
Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain or rapid heart rate
Unexplained coughing
🎯 Who's at Risk?
Your DVT risk increases if you:
Recently had surgery (especially joint or orthopedic)
Are recovering from injury with limited movement
Are on bed rest or sedentary for long stretches
Travel long distances without breaks
Are over age 60 or on certain medications (like hormone therapy)
Have a personal or family history of clotting disorders
That’s why we include clot risk awareness in many of our post-op and mobility-limited care plans at SB Physio.
🏃♀️ Movement + Compression = Circulation Support
Movement is the best medicine for clot prevention. But when movement is limited, tools like compression and dynamic recovery step in to help.
At SB Physio, we often recommend:
🧦 Bombas Compression Socks
Comfortable, supportive, and easy to wear—these are our go-to recommendation for patients dealing with leg swelling or prolonged sitting.
We love Bombas because they’re actually comfortable enough for everyday use and come in a range of compression levels.
🔁 NormaTec Compression
This dynamic compression therapy mimics the natural pumping of your muscles to boost circulation, reduce swelling, and promote recovery.
It’s available in our Recovery Room and can be especially helpful after surgery, long travel, or intense activity.
🧰 How SB Physio Helps Reduce Clot Risk
As part of your care, we:
Monitor for early signs of swelling and asymmetry
Teach simple leg activation drills and ankle pumps
Encourage early safe mobility
Recommend compression tools (like Bombas)
Offer NormaTec as an add-on or Access+ benefit
Educate patients on DVT symptoms and what to watch for
This isn’t just about rehab—it’s about proactive health.
✅ What You Can Do Today
Don’t ignore leg swelling or pain
Stay hydrated
Wear compression socks when sitting for long periods
Use movement breaks during long travel or screen time
Consider NormaTec for guided circulation recovery
Talk to your PT about your personal risk factors
If you’re recovering from surgery, experiencing leg swelling, or concerned about circulation, we’re here to help.
👉 Book a consultation or drop by the Recovery Room to experience how movement + recovery tools support your long-term health.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you believe you may have a blood clot or are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate care.
