UK Compression Therapy Market Analysis

UK Compression Therapy Market Executive Summary

UK Compression Therapy Market was valued at $99 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $131 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period.

Compression therapy, a medical procedure commonly used on limbs, aims to enhance blood circulation and reduce swelling. It is frequently employed for conditions like lymphedema, venous disorders, and specific edemas, with the primary goal of improving venous blood flow and preventing fluid buildup in tissues. Depending on the severity and individual needs, compression therapy may take various forms, such as elastic stockings, sleeves, or bandages. Techniques like compression wraps involve applying multiple layers for graduated compression, while intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) mimics natural muscle contractions to aid venous return. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the most suitable technique and compression level, especially when developing comprehensive treatment plans for issues like poor circulation, swelling, or fluid retention.

In the UK, venous disorders affect a significant percentage of the population. Roughly 1 in 4 adults, or about 3.5 Mn people, have been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The prevalence of CVI rises with age, affecting around 3% of people under 30 years and increasing to 20% in those over 70 years, with a slightly higher occurrence in women than men. The prevalence of varicose veins, a symptom of CVI, increases with age and family history, affecting about 20% of men and 35% of women in the UK. There are approximately 25,000 new cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) reported annually, which results in approximately 11,000 deaths. Surgery, prolonged immobility, obesity, and cancer are risk factors for DVT. Venous Leg Ulcers, affecting about 1% of the UK population, translates to approximately 85,000 people living with an active ulcer at any given time, representing a debilitating complication of CVI that significantly impacts the quality of life.

Smart compression garments, integrating sensors and microelectronics, offer real-time monitoring of critical factors like pressure, blood flow, and temperature, enabling personalized therapy adjustments. Companies such as Sensate Medical and Xenoma are leading this innovation, particularly in the development of smart compression socks for lymphedema management. These advancements mark a significant step in enhancing treatment effectiveness and represent a promising frontier in personalized healthcare interventions.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Sports Participation and Active Lifestyle: The surge in sports and fitness engagement is a key driver for the growth of the compression therapy market. As participation in sports increases, so does the incidence of sports-related injuries and muscle fatigue. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts in the UK are increasingly turning to compression garments to expedite recovery and enhance performance, driving the demand for compression therapy products.

Growing Geriatric Population: The expansion of the compression therapy market in the UK is driven by the aging demographic, as more than 18% of the population is currently aged 65 or above, and this proportion is anticipated to reach 26% by 2050. Given the higher susceptibility of this age group to conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), varicose veins, and lymphedema, there is a growing demand for compression therapy.

Rising Prevalence of Venous Disorders: The escalating occurrence of venous disorders, specifically chronic venous disease (CVD), is a significant driver propelling the growth of the compression therapy market. With 3.5 Mn of the population affected by CVD, there is a substantial patient base seeking compression therapy products for effective treatment and management. This prevalent health issue creates a robust demand for such products in the market.

Market Restraints

Inconvenience and Discomfort: Some people find wearing compression garments uncomfortable or inconvenient, which can result in non-compliance and a decreased willingness to incorporate compression therapy into daily activities. This creates a barrier to the market, preventing compression therapy from being widely accepted and used, which has an impact on the market's overall growth.

Cost Barriers: The market's growth is impeded by the substantial expenses linked to compression therapy products, posing a challenge to widespread adoption. This is primarily due to limited accessibility, especially for individuals with lower incomes, making it difficult for them to afford these products. Consequently, the high costs act as a barrier, hindering the broader acceptance of compression therapy and restricting the market's expansion.

Inconsistent Patient Adherence: Accurate and consistent adherence to recommended usage is essential for the effectiveness of compression therapy. The efficacy of the therapy may be lowered by patient deviation from advised usage schedules, which could impede the expansion of the compression therapy market. As it may jeopardize therapeutic outcomes and thereby reduce overall market demand, inconsistent patient adherence acts as a restraint on the market.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

In the UK, the primary oversight and management of healthcare policies and regulations related to treatment drugs are entrusted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an executive agency under the Department of Health and Social Care. The MHRA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and quality of medicines by overseeing processes like marketing authorization, approval of clinical trials, and continuous pharmacovigilance. Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatments, influencing the pricing and reimbursement of drugs. The collaborative interaction between these regulatory bodies significantly influences the landscape of development, approval, and accessibility of treatment drugs in the UK.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Sigvaris
• Medi
• Juzo
• Jobst
• Bauerfeind
• LymphoCare
• Activa Healthcare
• Amoena
• Ofa Bamberg
• Variteks