Compression garments for recovery

Recovery can refer to healing after an operation, cancer treatment, injury, illness or a period of reduced activity. Because those situations affect tissues and circulation differently, a garment that suits one person may be inappropriate for another.

Compression applies controlled pressure to a body area. It may be used to limit fluid build-up, support a limb or help manage lymphoedema. The garment's length, fabric and pressure should match the affected area and the reason for treatment.

Compression does not treat every cause of swelling. New swelling can follow infection, a blood clot, heart or kidney problems, medication effects or tissue injury. It should be assessed rather than covered with a garment chosen without clinical guidance.

Confirm where the garment should start and end, when to put it on, and whether it must be removed for sleep, bathing or wound checks. Apply it to clean, dry skin, smooth away wrinkles and keep the top edge flat rather than folding it into a tighter band.

Each time it comes off, examine the skin and any healing wound. Clean and dry the garment as directed, and replace it if stretched fabric no longer holds its intended shape. Balance compression with the movement, elevation, skin care and rehabilitation activities included in your recovery plan.

Arrange prompt advice for swelling that is new, rapidly increasing, painful, hot or mainly on one side. A clinician should also assess broken skin, leaking fluid, spreading redness, fever, or a wound that is opening. These issues may need treatment beyond compression.

Remove the garment if it causes numbness, severe pain, cold skin or an unusual pale or blue appearance, then seek guidance. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion or collapse requires emergency help.

Ask what recovery problem the garment is intended to address and how improvement will be judged. Confirm who will measure and refit it, what skin changes should trigger a pause, and whether wounds, drains, reduced sensation or circulation problems alter the plan.