Bandages
In treating Lymphedema, the use of compression bandaging is the main component of the initial "intensive" phase of complete decongestive therapy, or "CDT", and is performed to reduce limb volume as part of a Lymphedema treatment program. (read more)
The bandaging process starts with an inner "stocking-like" fabric, known as a tubular stockinette.
The next layer consists of a padding made of polyester, cotton, or foam that is placed over the stockinette.
An outer layer of multiple overlapping short-stretch compression bandages is the final component of a multi-layer compression bandage.
Although your Lymphedema treatment plan may vary, the use of compression bandaging will likely be done daily for up to several weeks. Upon completion of "CDT", it may be possible to switch to a compression garment or compression device during the second, or "maintenance" phase of your Lymphedema treatment.
Compression bandages come in two distinct types – short-stretch and long or medium-stretch, with the difference between the two being the extent to which the bandages can be stretched from their original length.
Short-stretch bandages are made from cotton fibers which are interwoven in a way that allows for approximately 60% extensibility of their original length.
Long and medium-stretch bandages contain polyurethane, which allows for an extensibility of more than 140% of the original length of the bandage.
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