Final answer:
True, compression therapy provides support for tissues that have lost elasticity by using elastic garments to compress the area, thus aiding in swelling management, circulation improvement, and mechanical support for the tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, compression therapy does indeed provide support for tissues that have lost elasticity. This therapy involves the application of elastic garments or wraps to areas of the body that require support. The underlying principle is to compress the area, which can help in managing swelling, improving circulation, and providing mechanical support to the tissue structures.
Dense connective tissue, specifically the type that is categorized as 'proper,' contains a high number of collagen fibers that provide considerable resistance to stretching, and in some cases, includes elastin fibers. The elastin fibers contribute to elasticity, allowing the tissue to regain its shape after being stretched. Ligaments and tendons, which are composed of dense regular connective tissue, are examples of this, and whereas tendons generally have parallel fiber alignments for strength, ligaments can contain both collagen and elastin fibers to maintain the necessary combination of strength and flexibility.
When tissues such as these are damaged, or their elasticity is compromised due to illness or injury, compression therapy can provide the external support needed to mimic the original strength and elasticity of the connective tissue, which might be otherwise inadequate after injury or due to conditions that affect the connective tissue.