Is lymphoedema therapy done with a compression garment?

A compression garment applies carefully graduated pressure to an affected arm, leg, or another body area. This pressure can support the movement of lymph fluid through available drainage pathways and may help limit further swelling. Garments are one part of lymphoedema care; treatment may also include skin care, movement or exercise, education, and hands-on lymphatic techniques.

The garment must fit the person and the affected area. A therapist may measure you, choose the garment style, and explain when to put it on and remove it. A garment that rolls, pinches, causes numbness, or changes the colour or temperature of the skin needs prompt review.

Put the garment on exactly as taught, usually before swelling increases during the day. Keep the skin clean and moisturised with suitable products, checking for cracks, blisters, or pressure marks. Wash and replace the garment according to the manufacturer's and therapist's instructions. Do not alter the garment yourself or borrow one made for another person.

Remove the garment and contact your care team if you develop new numbness, severe pain, marked colour change, cold fingers or toes, or worsening swelling. Seek urgent care for sudden swelling with chest pain or breathlessness, or for spreading redness, warmth, fever, and feeling unwell, which may signal infection or another urgent problem.

Ask which garment and pressure level suit you, how long to wear it, and how to check that it fits correctly. Ask whether swelling changes, wounds, or circulation problems affect the plan and when your measurements should be reviewed.