- Medical grade, graduated compression hose,
- Multilayered compression wraps
- Sequential pneumatic compression device
- Manual lymphatic drainage massage
- Lymphedema supplements/medication
- Correction of underlying venous disease
Your lymphedema team at Vitality Vein Care will consider all these to form your tailored treatment plan.
Manual lymphatic helps to move excess fluid out of your arms or legs using a special massage technique. This encourages lymph to move in its proper direction through undamaged lymph channels. There are some limitations, such as if you have an active skin infection, are prone to blood clots, or if you have active disease in the lymph drainage areas.
Options for compression include multilayered lymphedema wraps, medical grade graduated compression socks, and pneumatic compression sleeves. The compression encourages better lymph flow and decreases swelling. Graduated compression means that as you go closer to your body from the end of either the arm or leg, the compression becomes looser. The pneumatic sleeve is worn on the affected limb for a few hours daily. IT will connect to a devide that provides air to intermittently inflates the sleeve applying pressure to the limb.
Exercise encourages lymph drainage and helps with stamina and strength for every day life. Compression garments that are on during exercise has been shown to help while you gently use the muscles of the affected limb. The exercise should be gently and focus on specific muscles movements.
Good skin hygiene is important to maintain skin integrity. This reduces infections rates in the affected limb.
Correction of underlying vein disease at Vitality Vein Care can improve your swelling.
