How Compression Bandaging For Lymphedema Works

How Does The Use Of Compression Bandaging For Lymphedema Wrapping Work

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is performed to move the extra, built-up lymph fluid out of your tissues and back into the lymphatic vessels where it can drain. Upon completion of a Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage, a multilayer compression bandage will be applied and used to maintain the reduced level of swelling, promote the movement and flow of lymph fluid out of the area affected by lymphedema, and to help improve the shape of the limb being treated.

The use of short stretch compression bandages as a core component of the multilayer compression bandage system for lymphedema wrapping is ideal as they provide an outer low resting pressure and high working pressure layer to the compression bandage. Woven with a low degree of elasticity, these short stretch bandages won't stretch much when you are at rest, but during movement they provide firm resistance to the contraction of your muscles, creating a strong internal pressure that squeezes excess lymph fluid out of the swollen, bandaged area. With a low level of elasticity, the short stretch compression bandages will also support the treated limb and help maintained a reduced level of swelling (edema) which is achieved with Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

The process of performing Manual Lymphatic Drainage and wrapping the affected limb with a multilayer compression bandage system during Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is repeated throughout the initial phase of lymphedema treatment.

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The Multilayer Lymphedema Bandaging System