There are therefore two central strategies in thrombosis prophylaxis:

• Prevention through drugs, e.g. by giving heparin that inhibits blood clotting
• Physical thrombosis prophylaxis. This covers various measures, which we will explain to you below.

Early mobilisation
As early and as often as possible and accompanied by your nurse, you should stand up and walk on the spot in front of the bed or walk around it. This will tense your muscles and "compress" the veins, leading to an acceleration in blood flow.

Raising the legs
Raising the foot of your bed will also encourage the return flow of blood from the leg veins. This simple measure is certainly the most pleasant for you. If you still experience pain, please tell your nurse or doctor because this measure is clearly not suitable for you.

Physiotherapy
This includes various exercises that the nursing staff and/or the physiotherapist will go through with you. The exercises aim to move your muscles actively or passively. These actions are also highly suitable for accelerating the return flow of your blood to the heart. The exercises also ensure that you get up and about more quickly.

Compression of veins
Medical anti-embolism stockings exert an external mechanical pressure on the veins. This reduces the diameter of the veins and blood flows back to the heart at a faster rate. The pressure on the leg is controlled: it is greatest at the ankle and least at the top.