An apparatus for applying periodic pressure to the limb of a patient includes a cuff which has a bladder, the cuff is shaped and dimensioned to wrap around the limb of the patient. The apparatus also includes a pump which inflates the bladder in accordance with a pressure application mode which is selected by the patient. In one embodiment a plurality of pressure application modes are provided. The patient can select which particular pressure application mode the apparatus will use. In another embodiment, the maximum cuff pressure is 55 mmHg. In another embodiment, two cycles of pressure application and removal are repeated every minute. In another embodiment, pressure is applied and removed in step fashion. In another embodiment, the pump is capable of increasing cuff pressure from 0 mmHg to 55 mmHg within two seconds. In accordance with another embodiment, a display on the apparatus shows real time cuff pressure, the selected pressure application mode, and cumulative hours of apparatus operation. In another embodiment, a pressure switch ensures that the cuff is properly wrapped around the limb of the patient.