How to Compression Bandage for Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by chronic swelling in any body, caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid. It occurs when the lymphatic system is abnormally developed or damaged by trauma, obesity, cancer treatment, surgery, radiation therapy and infection.
To learn more about lymphedema, see this page.
While lymphedema is a life-long condition, it can be effectively managed by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is the gold standard lymphedema treatment and it is composed of 5 essential elements:
Compression Therapy: Multilayer lymphedema bandages and compression garments
Remedial Exercises
Skin Care
Patient Education
Lymphedema Bandages
In this blog post, we're going to dive deep into lymphedema bandages.
Lymphedema bandaging, also known as multi-layer short stretch compression bandaging, is a crucial component of managing lymphedema. Unlike compression garments which are designed to maintain the size and swelling of your limb, compression bandages are made to reduce your swelling.
In addition, lymphedema bandages are also designed to:
Prevent your swelling from getting worse
Increase the uptake of lymph fluid
Soften any skin fibrosis
Help with the healing of recurrent wounds
Types of Lymphedema Bandages
It is crucial to use a compression bandage specifically designed for patients with lymphedema. While lymphedema bandages may look like ACE bandages typically found at your local pharmacy, they are not the same. You should never use ACE bandages in the treatment of lymphedema.
Why? Lymphedema bandages and ACE bandages are different in terms of their stretchiness and purpose. Lymphedema bandages are short-stretch bandages designed to provide even firm pressure on your limb to reduce its swelling. On the other hand, ACE bandages are long-stretch bandages designed to provide relief from acute sport injuries.
Due to this difference in stretchiness, when an ACE bandage is used in the treatment of lymphedema it can actually worsen the swelling by causing a tourniquet effect. Thus, opted by low-stretch or short-stretch bandages is essential when it comes to bandaging for lymphedema.
How to Apply Lymphedema Bandages
Compression bandaging for lymphedema is a specialized technique. Thus, it is crucial to consult with a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, so that the therapist can help you bandage you limb appropriately. The therapist will also teach you how to self-bandage you own limb, so that you can successfully self-manage between appointments.
The general steps for bandaging include:
Prepare the skin: Ensure the affected area is clean and dry. Then apply an alcohol free moisturizer on your limb before bandaging.
Protect the skin: Proper skin protection is essential. Apply a tubular stockinette to your skin. Then apply a cotton foam on the entire limb. Be sure to cover bony body parts with foam padding.
Apply compression: The bandage should be applied with the right amount of tension. It should feel snug but not too tight. Proper tension helps to reduce swelling and prevent it from worsening. Too much compression will result in pain and tingling/numbness. If this occurs, the bandage must be removed and reapplied.
Overlap the bandages: Each new layer of the bandage should overlap the previous one by half of its width. This helps in providing uniform compression.
Here our Certified Lymphedema Therapist Caitha Barr is demonstrated self-bandaging for arm lymphedema.
It is crucial that bandaging is done in a particular way, as improper application can lead to increased swelling and pain. When self-bandaging, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by your Certified Lymphedema Therapist to ensure the bandages are applied correctly.
Tips for Lymphedema Bandaging
When cutting your tubular stockinette measure 1.5 times the length of your limb.
Protect bony parts of your body with foam pads.
Wear loose or baggy clothes as bandaging can be bulky.
It can be overwhelming at the beginning when you first start bandaging. It gets easier.
Precautions
Do not wrap with compression bandages if there is an infection in the area.
Ensure that the bandaging is not painful, uncomfortable, or causing numbness or tingling. If these sensations occur, remove your bandage and reapply. If the sensations persist, remove the bandage and contact your Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Lymphedema bandaging is an important part of managing lymphedema and should be performed under the guidance of a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. When done correctly, it can help reduce swelling and improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with lymphedema.
If you have arm lymphedema or leg lymphedema, our Certified Lymphedema Therapist Caitha Barr can help you manage! Schedule a FREE consultation call with her today.
