Garments, Sleeves and Stockings
Compression sleeves and garments are designed to do just what their name
suggests: apply pressure to the arm, hand, or trunk to keep lymph
moving in the right direction. (Remember that some lymphatic vessels are
located just under the surface of your skin.)
Bandaging is a mainstay of treatment for stage 2 and stage 3 lymphedema
(moderate to severe lymphedema). Bandaging involves creating a soft cast
on the arm or upper body by wrapping with multiple layers.
Bandages work differently than compression sleeves, which support the
flow of lymph in the right direction but don’t decongest (move fluid out
of) the limb. Sleeves apply what’s known as resting pressure, meaning
that the pressure is higher when the arm is at rest. When you move your
arm, the elastic fabric moves right along with it, which actually
reduces the amount of pressure. A compression sleeve may be enough for
mild lymphedema, but more advanced cases need the help of bandaging
before a compression sleeve can be used. Bandaging works by reducing
limb volume.
