Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a body part by applying an intermittent compression thereto using for this purpose an inflatable sleeve applied to and enclosing the body part and divided into successivley overlapping inflatable cells, pressurized fluid being applied cyclically to successive groups of cells, so as successively to inflate each group while, at the same time, at least partially deflating the preceding group, and ensuring simultaneous deflation of all cells for a minimal time period between successive cycles. The invention also relates to a particular construction of the sleeve.