Treating lymphoedema
You can have compression treatment for lymphoedema in different ways, depending on where the swelling is.
Compression treatment aims to control and reduce the swelling caused by a build up of lymph fluid (lymphoedema).
It puts pressure on the area of swelling and encourages movement of lymph fluid around the lymph vessels The pressure needs to be even but firm in the swollen area. Compression may also help to control pain caused by the swelling.
There are different ways to apply compression. They include:
compression garments
compression wraps
compression bandaging
The pressure helps the trapped lymph fluid to move and flow through the lymph vessels. The compression garment, wraps or bandages also act as an extra force for the muscles to work against. This helps the fluid to drain out of the area.
All garments and bandages are measured and fitted by a trained lymphoedema specialist.
Compression garments help to stop lymphoedema getting worse. They can reduce mild to moderate swelling. Your lymphoedema specialist will usually recommend multi-layered bandaging first if you have severe lymphoedema.
The garments vary in how much pressure they put on the tissues. They should:
cover the whole area of the swelling
allow you to move normally
not have any baggy or loose areas
be comfortable, giving firm support that is not too tight
be chosen just for you
be replaced every about every 6 months – they lose shape with washing which affects the amount of compression
You should wear the garments during the day and take them off at night, unless your specialist tells you to keep them on longer. Put them on as soon as possible in the morning. You need to wear them when you’re doing any form of exercise.
You usually have 2 garments so that you can wear one and wash one. Follow the washing instructions using a mild washing powder or liquid. Dry the garment flat, away from direct heat.
At first, your lymphoedema specialist will measure you about every 6 months. This is to check you have the right size garment. You may be measured more or less often depending on your individual needs. You can get a repeat prescription for the garment if your swelling is not changing and your garment fits well.
Contact your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist if you think the garment isn’t right.
There are different types of compression garments. The type you need will depend on where your lymphoedema is and how much swelling you have.
Bandaging for lymphoedema is called multi-layered lymphoedema bandaging (MLLB).
The aim is to help lymph fluid to drain and stop it building up. It can also help the swelling get back to near a normal shape as possible.
You usually have daily bandaging during intensive treatment. You have it for a few weeks and might have it with or without a specialised type of skin massage called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).
Your lymphoedema specialist does your bandaging in a particular way. It is very important to have bandaging done by a trained lymphoedema specialist. It might not work if the bandaging is uneven or not done properly. It could even increase your swelling. Or the swelling may build up unevenly.
How your specialist applies your bandages depends on the type of bandages used. There are various layers:
finger or toe bandaging if you have lymphoedema of a limb
a tubular bandage
a layer of soft synthetic wool or foam
a dense foam layer
the bandage layer – these are stretch bandages
taping to fix everything in place
There’s a new type of bandaging that includes just two layers. The foam layer and elastic compression layer stick together. So you don’t need to have them done separately.
You can shower or have a bath at home, but you will need to cover the bandaging to keep it dry. Your specialist can help you work out a way to do this.
When you have the bandages changed your lymphoedema specialist will clean, dry, and moisturise your skin. They will then put the bandages back on.
Bandaging can be bulky – wear loose or baggy clothes for comfort.
Wear comfortable shoes that are not too tight if you have lymphoedema of your leg - a large trainer shoe may be helpful. Ask your specialist about shoes or sandals with Velcro fastenings if you have problems getting shoes to fit.
Contact your insurance company to check if they'll cover you if you drive. The bandaging could stop you reacting as quickly as you would normally.
Move around normally – movement and exercise helps the bandaging to move the fluid out of the swollen area.
Aim to do the exercises given to you by your lymphoedema specialist as often as they recommend.
Last reviewed: 24 Apr 2023
Next review due: 24 Apr 2026
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