Lymphedema is a condition that affects many people. It occurs when lymph fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing swelling and discomfort. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help reduce swelling and improve quality of life. One such treatment is compression therapy, which involves wearing special garments to help reduce the size of the affected area. Let’s take a look at how compression works and how it can help those with lymphedema.

How Compression Works

Compression therapy uses specially designed garments that fit snugly against the skin to apply pressure to the affected area. The aim of this pressure is to redistribute the lymph fluid away from the swollen areas so that it can be more easily removed from the body via other means (such as massage or manual lymphatic drainage). This helps to reduce swelling and improve mobility, allowing patients to move more freely without feeling restricted by their condition.

The type of garment used will depend on where the lymphedema is located in the body. Compression garments for arms and legs typically consist of bandages, gloves, stockings, or sleeves made from elastic materials like spandex or nylon. For those with chest-related lymphedema, a compression vest may be recommended instead. These garments are typically made from breathable fabrics and come in a variety of sizes and styles so that patients can find one that offers them comfortable support without feeling too restrictive.