| graduated compress | Layers of cloth thickest in the centre, becoming thinner toward the periphery. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| cold compress | <orthopaedics> This may be ice packs wrapped in cloth to deliver a cold compress to an acutely injured muscle, joint or bone. Cold compresses are commonly indicated for most injuries in the first 24-48 hours. They should be applied only intermittently, with periods of time without the compress applied. (27 Sep 1997) |
| wet compress | Gauze moistened with saline or antiseptic solution. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compress | Cloth (or another material) applied under pressure to an area of the skin and held in place for a period of time. A compress can be any temperature (cold, luke arm, or hot) and it can be dry or wet. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ice compress | Cold compress applied to an acute injury for the purpose of decreasing swelling and pain. Ice can be placed within a dry towel (never directly on the site) to achieve the desired effect. (27 Sep 1997) |