Compression therapies

Compression garments- these are tight, fabric garments made from a range of material and knits in order to manage swelling. Class 1 is the lightest form of pressure. With class 2 to class 4 giving a higher form of pressure for more severe conditions. The sizing and fit of these garments are crucial in managing swelling as an ill-fitting garment can worsen or aggravate swelling and symptoms.

Compression pumps- Compression pumps offer intermittent compression therapy that can be used at home.  The pump is connected to an inflatable sleeve that compresses from the outside in. Moving fluid back to the lymph nodes to be processed out through the body's circulatory system. Some health conditions can be contra-indicated for compression pumps so working with a qualified lymphatic therapist is advised. The different sleeves can be used for legs, arms, chest and full body pants.

Bandaging- Bandaging is the gold standard treatment for use in the initial phase of reducing lymphoedema swelling. The bandages are medically graded, inelastic (short stretch) bandages applied specifically to move fluid from the outer limb towards the lymph nodes. They are applied daily and worn for 24 hours a day for 2 to 4 weeks. This is an intense Phase 1 of treatment to drastically reduce fluid. When fluid reduction plateaus then the limb is measured and a maintenance compression garment is ordered and to be applied when bandaging is complete. This is costly and time consuming but is the best form of treatment when swelling in uncontrolled. Ocean breeze lymphatics will soon be offering bandaging packages to make this form of treatment more manageable and affordable.

Compression therapy should be carried out by a qualified professional. The aim is to get you to the point where you can manage your swelling at home, with monthly check ins with your therapist for MLD massage and ongoing monitoring.