|
Poppy Lane Skin Care & Lymphoedema Clinic
Bandaging for
Lymphoedema Bandaging for lymphoedema is a recognised way to reducing the swelling of
lymphoedema and lipoedema affected limbs. The bandage
type used for this therapy is
a special low stretch bandage. It is applied in
layers to provide gradient compressive pressure from the most distal part of the
limb to the part of the limb most proximal to the trunk A course of compression bandaging
normally take between 1-3 weeks. From 40%- 70% reductions of oedema are possible
in many cases by
this treatment method. The book
'Practical steps for lymphoedema
bandaging' is available
from this website. The book shows and explains the steps for bandaging an arm or leg for lymphoedema
and/or lipoedema Many
people are able to help another person with bandaging. You do not need be a nurse or other professional to put bandages on a
patients arm or leg. To start all you need know is how to do it, what to use and where
to get it from. Once you know this and make a start you will get better with
practice. Always, before
you start to bandage, consult
with a doctor or suitably qualified person that bandaging is a suitable therapy
for you. If this therapy is contra-indicated do not proceed. What is lymphoedma Bandaging? Lymphoedema bandaging is a special way of applying bandages to a lymphoedma affected limb
which can help break up fibrotic tissues which further entrap fluid. Bandaging
also provides a medium to assist the body's lymphatic system to pump out excess proteins trapped in
body tissues. Trapped excess protein in body tissues cause the fluid retention and swelling of lymphoedema. When a course of bandaging is completed a patient
needs to wear well fitted
compression garments. Compression garments worn after a course of bandaging help stop the limb returning back to it's more swollen
state. Always obtain a doctors (or suitably qualified persons) advice that bandaging
is allowed and suitable for the patient before lymphoedema bandaging is
commenced. Bandaging is not suitable for all persons and can be dangerous under
some circumstances. Bandaging for lymphoedema is designed to; make a lymphoedema affected limb
smaller break down/reduce fibrotic tissue increase tissue oxygenation stimulate lymphatic flow At minimum self massage
immediately prior to bandaging is always indicated to assist therapy results. Who would benefit from lymphoedema bandaging? Any person with
lymphoedema who is not contra indicated for bandaging can be helped to control
their condition using gradient compressive bandaging as a therapy. People
approaching, or with a grade two or higher lymphoedema are prime candidates for
bandaging for lymphoedema. Grade 2 lymphoedema is a condition
that
has much excess fibrous tissue contained within the affected limb. If the
skin is pressed hard with the end of a finger it does not indent or 'pit', this
would indicate a component of grade 2 lymphoedema. Other indications are;
Little or no reduction to the swelling or oedema by elevation of the
limb, even if the limb is elevated and rested in bed overnight or for 2-3 days.
And/or: the limb gradually 'hardens' because of the excess fibrous (scar) tissue due to
chronic inflammation. The
bandaging for this type of lymphoedema is a special 'low stretch' type of
bandage applied to a lymphoedema affected limb. It will help
reduce the size, hardness and discoloration of the affected part. To ensure
bandaging does not cause problems elsewhere it is good practice to
have performed self massage prior to bandaging. This ensures fluid removed from
an affected limb
has a place to go to and will not then overload an adjacent area. Always obtain a doctors or suitably qualified persons advice that bandaging
is allowed and suitable for the patient before lymphoedema bandaging is
commenced. Bandaging is not suitable for all persons and can be dangerous under
some circumstances. The book
showing practical steps for lymphoedema and lipoedema bandaging is a available at http://www.lymph.com.au/category22_1.htm
or contact julietgeorge@lymph.com.au
for more information.
Last update
30/4/10
Website
Sponsor Poppy
Lane Skin Care & Lymphoedema Clinic
(02)
9723 5402 Supplier
of;
Low
Level Laser & Equipment with education for home use
|