What is a compress used for?

A compress serves as a pad applied over a specific area of the body to provide relief, commonly used to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Compressions can be moist or dry, and the temperature can vary depending on the condition being treated, with warm compresses often helping to improve circulation and cold compresses assisting in reducing inflammation and numbing pain. This modality is widely used in both home care and clinical settings to manage various conditions, making it a crucial tool in patient care.

While methods of pain assessment, diagnostic tools, or therapeutic techniques have their own distinct purposes, they do not specifically refer to the physical application intended to provide relief like a compress does. Thus, the primary function of a compress uniquely identifies it among the options provided.