Lymphedema Supplies
Using lymphedema supplies appropriately is an important part of lymphedema treatment and management. However, seeing as there are so many supplies offered, patients and even therapists can become quite overwhelmed when trying to select the best items. What follows is a very basic guide to the most commonly used lymphedema supplies.
A Guide to Lymphedema Supplies
Most patients suffering from lymphedema will have to undergo manual lymph drainage. Though this treatment does not require any special lymphedema supplies itself, proper bandaging should follow it up so that the decongestion that has just occurred is not reversed. Therefore, a therapist who performs manual lymph drainage should be sure to stock up on specialized lymphedema bandages; these bandages are specially made to stay put so that fluid does not flow back into the affected area.
Once some of the swelling has been reduced through manual lymph drainage, the patient will embark on a lymphedema management routine. Lymphedema pumps are fast becoming a popular tool in lymphedema maintenance. These pumps are comprised of a cushy boot or sleeve that’s wired in such a way as to squeeze and release the affected area in a manner that mirrors the movements of manual lymph drainage massage; though these pumps should not be used in place of a manual lymph drainage massage, they can be used afterwards to keep the swelling down.
However, by far the most popular of lymphedema supplies are compression garments; these garments are manufactured in all types of shapes, sizes, materials, and pressures. If a person has undergone manual lymph drainage and is now in the maintenance phase, he or she must wear a compression garment everyday to keep the swelling down and reshape the affected area. Compression garments are also useful for those who know they are at risk of lymphedema; in other words, they can be used as a preventive measure.
Compression sleeves for lymphedema patients helps to reduce painful swelling that can significantly reduce mobility of the arms. If you suffer from this chronic and debilitating condition, you owe it to yourself to get fitted for compression sleeves that can help to relieve some of your symptoms. It is very important that you get fitted by a professional therapist who is trained in taking circumferential measurements in patients with lymphedema.
The proper fit will ensure that you reap the benefits from your compression sleeves for lymphedema. If the sleeves are too loose, your lymph nodes will not receive the proper amount of pressure to do their job, which is to move lymph along through the body so that it does not pool in one area, which is what causes the swelling and discomfort. On the other hand, if the sleeves are too tight, they might cause pinching or chafing of the skin in that area, and you will be less likely to wear them as directed.
As you can see, getting properly fitted for such compression garments is really the key to successful treatment. Although you may undergo Complete Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymph Drainage, you will not progress further in your treatments without the use of compression garments. These sleeves, gloves, and stockings help with circulation, and thus they improve the overall condition of your lymphedema.
Finding Sleeves Online If you have been fitted for sleeves already by your therapist, and know your size, you can go online and order sleeves today. To find sites that sell sleeves, simply go to Google, and type in the words, “Compression Sleeves For Lymphedema”, and hit submit. All the sites that sell these sleeves will pop up onto your screen, for you to browse through at your convenience.