Bandages Plus Blog
Your online resource for articles and information on lymphedema and associated conditions, treatments, and supplies.
EdemaWear®: A Game Changer
by DeLana Honaker PhD, OTR, CLT, FAOTA
In my search for a better alternative, I came across EdemaWear® Compression Stockinettes at BandagesPlus and have been using them with excellent results with my patients and even for myself and my friends. One the best features of EdemaWear® Compression Stockinettes is that it’s technology acts in a "shrink wrap" fashion, meaning that the stockinette shapes itself to the extremity's contours and provides continuous and consistent compression.
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Introducing the Mobiderm Method of Treatment
Utilizing a unique open-cell foam structure, Mobiderm creates a "sheer effect" within the underlying subcutaneous tissues, stimulating the lymphatics to help remove lymphatic fluid and soften fibrotic tissues. Easy to use and highly adaptable to body contours, Mobiderm provides an effective solution for fast and effective outcomes when treating lymphedema and edematous conditions, including post-op swelling and trauma.
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Cancer, Cancer Treatment And Lymphedema - Understanding And Managing This Relationship
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. Beyond the physical effects, cancer can also affect one's mental health, as well that of their family and caregivers, causing anxiety, depression, distress, and loneliness among all concerned. Having cancer also increases your risk and chances of developing lymphedema as a side effect of treating this condition. Lymphedema may develop when cancer surgery and other treatments result in disruption of the lymphatic flow due to damage or removal of the lymph nodes, causing a build up of the lymph fluid.
The risk for lymphedema is particularly high for the following forms of cancers as they generally are treated with surgery or radiation that affects the lymph nodes:
- Breast cancer
- Prostrate cancer
- Pelvic cancers (bladder, penile, testicular, endometrial, vulvar and cerfical)
- Lymphoma (cancer of the immune system)
- Melanoma (skin cancer)
- Head and neck cancer
In this section, we explore these areas, as well as a variety of other topics to provide education and information which may help better prevent the development of lymphedema, or help manage lymphedema should it occur in a post-op / post- cancer treatment setting.
Treating Cancer And The Risk Of Developing Lymphedema
While having and treating for cancer is not the only cause of lymphedema, this can increase the risk for developing lymphedema. It is important to understand what lymphedema is and how it develops as a result of having and/or treating cancer.
Breast Cancer And The Benefits of Pre-Surgical Compression - FAQs
Many oncologists and lymphedema specialists today are recommending compression therapy BEFORE breast cancer surgery, as a way to help prevent lymphedema and promote healing. Pre-surgical compression is about helping to prevent lymphedema, not treating it. This new approach is part of a growing trend in cancer care that focuses on enhancing supportive therapy before surgery, radiation, and other medical treatments.
Breast Surgery: Post-Op Mastectomy Compression Bras
Wearing a compression bra after a mastectomy can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and support healing. By applying gentle compression to your chest area, these specialized bras also help manage fluid buildup and minimize the risk of lymphedema.
Compression Bras And Garments for Lymphedema and Post-Op - FAQs About Compression Bras
Choosing the best compression bra for lymphedema or post-op can not only affect how you feel wearing it, but also how quickly you heal. We carry a large selection of comfortable, effective, and attractive compression bras, compression vests, compression tops, and compression camisoles that fit well and promote healing for lymphedema, post-op, and other medical conditions, and making the best decision for your particular needs can feel overwhelming.
Prostate Cancer - Benefits Of Compression Therapy Before Surgery
When speaking of the benefits of pre-surgical compression, many oncologists and lymphedema specialists today are recommending compression therapy BEFORE prostate cancer surgery, to help improve lymphatic function, reduce baseline swelling, and prepare tissues for recovery. In other words, pre-surgical compression is about helping to prevent lymphedema, not treating it.
Genital Lymphedema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Often overlooked and not spoken of, genital lymphedema causes sufferers a physical as well as an emotional impact that can contribute to a dramatic decline in one's overall quality of life. Although extremely personal and touching upon a highly sensitive subject, the causes, symptoms and proper treatment of genital lymphedema needs to be fully understood so that it can be properly managed, thereby limiting its impact on your life.
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Solving the Problem of Compression Bandage Slippage With Sun Glitz Foam Bandages
Contributed by Brandy Mckeown OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CLWT
As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist who has over 20 years of hands-on experience as a lymphedema practitioner and certification instructor, I have continuously been faced with the issue of trying to solve the problem of having multi-layer compression bandages from slipping out of place, which reduces the effectiveness of the lymphedema wrapping and results in a prolonged period of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
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Lymphedema Treatment Act
Learn about the Lymphedema Treatment Act, what Medicare will cover, the eligibility requirements for coverage, and more.
Since the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) took effect, many people are finding that the LTA leaves a lot to be desired. Learn why it might be more advantageous for you to order your compression garments and lymphedema bandaging supplies directly from Bandages Plus.
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Lymphedema Compression Wraps: Which One Is Best For Me
Presented by Circaid and featuring the Circaid wrap collection of compression garments
In this article, we are going to help you learn why clinicians, lymphedema therapists and patients are flocking to adjustable compression wraps as an alternative choice to traditional compression garments, such as compression socks, leg sleeves or compression arm sleeves in helping to management lymphedema, and provide a guide to determine if using a compression wrap is the right choice for you. Along the way, we will provide some key product features of various lymphedema wraps and make some selection suggestions.
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The Eclypse® Boot Superabsorbent Dressing: Solving the Challenge of "Leaky Legs" with Chronic Edema
The condition of lymphorrhea, or "leaky legs", is characterized by a constant flow of interstitial fluid from an individual’s swollen edematous limb, where the volume of accumulated fluid in an affected limb exceeds it’s capacity to retain the fluid, resulting in gross swelling, blistering and leakage of the fluid onto the skin. The leaking fluid soils and saturates clothing, linens and wound dressings, while prolonged exposure to moisture from the fluid macerates the surrounding healthy skin, thereby exacerbating the existing situation. Additionally, the compromised skin provides a direct port of entry for infection which often leads to cellulitis, which requires treatment with antibiotics.
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Debrisoft® - Providing Effective Wound Bed Preparation For All
Wound degradation creates several inflammatory stimulants that can adversely affect proper wound healing. And while debridement of the wound bed provides enhancement to overall wound healing, there are multiple challenges to effective debridement. The Debrisoft wound debridement and wound hygiene pads provide a clinically-proven safe, virtually painless and highly effective debridement alternative.
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Compreflex Transition Compression Wraps®: Full proof and accurate compression
by Robyn A (Redd) Smith, M.Ed., COTA/L, CLWT, CLT
Owner: Life Rehabilitation, LC – Salt Lake City, Utah
As lymphedema therapists, we know our patients don’t always follow the instructions we give them. Whether you call it compliance or adherence, we know that following the rules of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is paramount to successful outcomes. In my practice, I have seen wraps erroneously placed upside down, inside out, and backwards. One time, I saw all three errors at once. Improper donning can, not only slow down CDT progress, but, more importantly, be dangerous for the patient. I have spent years testing the top Velcro® wraps available in search of wraps that are “fool proof.” I finally found one a little over a year ago with Compreflex Transition Compression Wraps from Sigvaris.
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CircAid® Reduction Kits: A Better Alternative to Lymphedema Wrapping and Bandaging
Traditionally, compression bandaging has been used as 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. While proven effective, the use of multi-layer compression bandaging has its drawbacks. The CircAid® Reduction Kit product line offers a unique and innovative alternative treatment method, focused on patient participation, understanding and compliance.
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Sigvaris CoolFlex™Compression Wraps: Improving Compliance for Patients who Cannot Wear Compression
Compression has traditionally been the most effective treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), and while a variety of compression garments are widely available, most have significant disadvantages that inhibit patient use and compliance. Therefore, Sigvaris USA recently introduced the CoolFlex™ lower extremity compression wrap to address patient use and compliance issues, by combining the appropriate needed compression with ease of use, comfort, temperature control and aesthetic appeal.
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Chronic Wounds and Chronic Wound Healing
A chronic wound generally refers to a medical condition where a wound fails to follow the normal stages of wound healing, lasting approximately 4 to 12 weeks. Having a chronic wound that you can't heal with normal wound care treatment can lead to additional health complications, as well as cause you financial and emotional issues beyond having the chronic wound itself. Therefore, it is critical for you to understand chronic wounds, the normal wound healing stages, and how to effectively treat and manage a chronic wound through proper wound care and treatment.