Levels Of Compression For Compression Garments
Levels Of Compression For Compression Garments
Lymphedema therapy is typically divided into two phases, – an intensive treatment phase and a maintenance phase.
Intensive Treatment For Lymphedema – Complex Decongestive Therapy
In the intensive treatment phase (which is called complex decongestive therapy, or CDT), a trained therapist helps move the lymphatic fluid build-up through manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). This gentle stretching technique helps push the lymphatic fluid from the blocked areas (which are swollen) back into other areas of your body that are draining well.
Maintenance Therapy For Lymphedema
In the maintenance phase for lymphedema, you’ll wear compression wraps or garments – during the daytime and/or at night – to help reduce mild swelling and prevent lymphatic fluid from building up.
Levels Of Compression For Lymphedema Compression Garments
Compression garments are rated by the amount of compression they apply, and it’s important to choose the correct compression level that’s required for your lymphedema treatment or therapy. The compression applied is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury) – the same measurement that’s used for blood pressure.
Below are the different compression classes, and what they’re typically recommended for:
- Compression Class 0: 15 - 20 mmHg – for those at risk for lymphedema
- Compression Class I: 20 - 30 mmHg – for those at risk for lymphedema or for mild lymphedema
- Compression Class II: 30 - 40 mmHg – for those with moderate or severe lymphedema
- Compression Class III: 40 - 50 mmHg – for those with severe or hard to control lymphedema
Comfort And Movement With Lymphedema Bandaging
When lymphedema bandaging is applied properly, it should be tight enough to provide the compression needed, but not painful or uncomfortable. You shouldn’t feel any tingling or numbness because of lymphedema bandaging, and you should be able to move around normally. In fact, movement is an important part of lymphedema treatment and management, because it helps the lymphedema bandaging push the fluid out the affected area of your body.
If you have any questions about our compression wraps and garments, please call (800) 770-1032, or e-mail info@bandagesplus.com.
See these related topics:
Care And Replacement Of Compression Garments And Bandages
Sizing For Compression Wraps And Garments
Types Of Compression Garments For Lymphedema