Common Myths about Compression Therapy for Lymphedema

There is a lot of confusion about compression therapy and treatment for Lymphedema. It is important to find the right product to get the best results. There are a few myths floating around; most of them are based on outdated or inaccurate information that can scare new patients off from making an informed choice.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema happens when the lymphatic system fails to properly drain the fluid that transports infection-fighting white blood cells; this causes excess fluid and swelling to collect in your extremities. The most common areas for swelling are your arms and legs, but in some cases, or with advanced disease, swelling can occur in your face, or even internal organs.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition with no known cure. However, its symptoms can be managed through both conventional treatments along with compression therapy.

How Does Compression Therapy Work?

Compression therapy works by applying pressure and warmth to the area of swelling so that it can reduce, and then eventually eliminate this buildup in the body. This is done both through support hose and wraps for specific areas of the body that are affected by lymphedema. However, not all compression garments will fit every person’s needs; this is why it’s important to work with a doctor or healthcare professional who can help determine what compression garments are best for your particular needs.

Is Compression Therapy for Lymphedema Worth the Money?

Yes. Compression provides immediate relief of swelling and pain. It is important to find the right product that fits your needs; oftentimes, several different products meet different criteria to be effective for your circumstances.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are choosing your compression product:

1. Find a product with a high compression rate – This means that the compression is tight enough to eliminate lymphatic backflow and reduce aching, but loose enough not to create uncomfortable pressure against your skin.
2. Go for quality over price – The hype of cheap products can be deceptive. There are many cheap products on the market that are poor quality, or even dangerous. Do your research and check out customer reviews of different brands to find out which ones have stood the test of time and can be recommended with confidence.
3. Find a product you can use for years to come – Many brands don’t last long, and then fail in their purposes. This is because they are cheaply made from inferior materials, or designed with an inadequate number of pressure points to provide consistent relief.

Common myths about using Compression Therapy for Lymphedema

• Myth: Compression therapy can cause lymphedema
  Surprisingly, this is far from the truth. It’s very important to follow the recommended compression rates to prevent any additional damage or discomfort from wearing compression garments.
• Myth: Compression is designed for only short-term use
  In reality, many people wear compression for many years; especially in cases where it has helped to reduce swelling and manage pain associated with chronic conditions. However, some products should not be worn for extended periods; these include support hoses, wraps, and gloves. These should be worn no more than 4-8 hours at a time.
• Myth: Compression garments are made of the same material and are interchangeable.
  Compression garments vary in design and purpose. You should always wear a medical-quality compression garment prescribed by your healthcare provider. This will ensure that you get the most out of your compression therapy and enjoy maximum results. For example, while some brands only provide support hose, others have extra features like soft sleeves or gloves to provide additional coverage and comfort.
• Myth: I have to stick to a schedule when I wear compression garments
  This isn’t true. You should wear your compression garments as much as you need them whenever you need them. Many people wear their compression garments to sleep, and then only remove them once per day for showering or bathing. You can also wear your compression garments whenever you are active, or even when lounging at home to provide extra support and pain relief. Just try not to overdo it – there is no set rule about how many hours should be worn in a single day, although we do recommend 2-4 hours at a time for home use and 4-8 hours at a time for use during physical activity.
• Myth: Compression isn’t good for long-term use
  This is also not true. A lot of people are surprised when they find out how well compression can work in helping to prevent lymphedema in the first place, or treat existing lymphedema when it has become chronic. In addition, the right compression will help to provide pain relief and speed up the healing process so that you don’t have to be restricted by excessive swelling in your limbs.
• Myth: Compression garments are uncomfortable to wear.
  If you choose the right compression garment and fit it to your body, you should be able to wear it comfortably at all times. If your compression garment is causing you discomfort, you should contact your doctor immediately. They can help ensure that you are wearing the right type of compression for your needs, and how best to apply it. Some people do experience some slight discomfort in the beginning; however, if it continues after a few weeks of treatment, or if you start to feel achy and tired more often, then it’s possible that your compression is not strong enough.

There is no doubt that compression therapy can be an effective way to manage lymphedema; however, it can be hard to determine which brands and products will work best for you and your specific needs. If you are concerned about compression therapy and are not sure if it is right for you, consult your doctor or healthcare professional.

Is Compression Therapy one of the best solutions for Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a condition that relates to infections of the lymph nodes, which eventually affects the whole body’s functionality. Its causes include conditions like cancer and other illnesses that are linked with conditions that lead to swelling in the body.

Compression therapy is most useful for lymphedema patients because it helps reduce the weight of the body’s extremities, the swelling, and the pain it causes. This can effectively make the experience of living with lymphedema much more bearable. In addition, if you are using compression therapy to manage symptoms associated with this condition, it can help you avoid more serious side effects and complications that can lead to further health issues.

To treat lymphedema successfully, professional help is recommended. Since compression therapy is not a one size fits all solution, it’s best to see your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more about whether this form of treatment applies best to your needs. Once you have a better idea of what options are available to you, you can work with your doctor to decide on the best ways to manage your lymphedema successfully.

Conclusion

When it comes to managing lymphedema, compression therapy is an effective therapy that can help to reduce swelling and pain. This is why it’s not surprising that this is one of the most common types of treatment recommended to those who have been diagnosed with lymphedema. Compression therapy can be useful in many ways, and if you are suffering from it or are worried that you may develop symptoms as well, speak to your doctor about what options are available to you.