Reviews of bandaging
Bandaging for lymphoedema
A review, guide and explanation of lymphoedema bandaging.
Bandaging for lymphoedema can be performed by a carer, nurse, therapist, relative, friend or just about anybody willing to help and try.
Lymphoedema bandaging is simple and easy to do and practice makes perfect.
The book 'Practical steps for lymphoedema bandaging' (ISBN; 978-0-9804547-1-0) has a full written and pictorial explanation of how bandaging is done. It also lists the materials required to bandage and where to get them.
FAQ about bandaging for lymphoedema
What is compression bandaging for lymphoedema? Compression bandaging for lymphoedema is a specialised bandaging technique that provides compression to a lymphoedema affected limb.
I have tried bandaging and it did not work. Simply, you have not been shown the correct procedure. Compressive bandaging applied as per Complex Physical (Lymphatic) Therapy (C.P.T) guidelines about always returns a result.
The bandages 'fell off'. When inadequate or insufficient bandage tension is used, they 'fall off'. To help solve this problem, bandage a little firmer next time.
For oddly shaped limbs, a support bandage around waist or shoulders can prevent bandage slippage. The book 'Practical steps for lymphoedema bandaging' (ISBN; 978-0-9804547-1-0) gives explanation in pictures and easy to follow instructions outlining the whole procedure for C.P.T. leg and arm bandaging.
I bandaged overnight but the limb swells up again the next day. Bandaging is applied and the limb remains bandaged for a consecutive number of days. When no further reduction to size is achieved, then bandaging is discontinued and compression garments are worn.
The most common length of time for bandaging is 7- 21 consecutive days, by which time the oedema can reduce up to 20-60%. In many cases bandages are left on for 3 consecutive days before being removed and re-applied.
How often should I bandage? After the initial session of bandaging, many people may go years before bandaging is again required. Only bandage when needed to reduce and stabilize a limb.
What happens after a course of bandaging is completed and no further reduction to size is expected? Compression garments must be worn to prevent the swelling returning at the end of compression bandaging.
How is bandaging done? Multi layered low stretch bandages are applied over a softer padding to provide gradient pressure that is greater at the most distal (furthest) point of the limb and lesser at the more proximal (top) end.
This in essence means for leg bandaging there are more layers of bandage at the foot and less bandages at the groin. The bandages are applied in layers to enable the gradient pressure to gradually reduce from a high pressure at the foot to a progressively lower pressure at the top of the leg.
This method is used similarly for arm bandaging where there are more layers of bandages at the hand than at the armpit
Why is compressive bandaging performed?
Compressive bandaging is applied to lymphoedema affected limbs to reduce the swelling or size of the affected part.
The compression of bandages helps provide greater varying tissue pressure upon movement of the limb. This in turn increases lymphatic flow out of the affected limb to quite quickly reduce it's size.
Who is a candidate for lymphoedema bandaging?
Most people with lymphoedema are able to bandage or be bandaged. You should always check with your doctor that you are a suitable candidate to bandage before proceeding.
Contra indications to bandaging
People with infections, arterial disease, congestive heart failure, heart problems, blood clotting problems, diabetes, kidney/liver problems and nerve damage causing loss of feeling are totally contra-indicated and bandaging should not be performed in these circumstances unless specifically approved by their doctor.
A guide of how bandaging is performed
After lymphatic clearance massage is performed to clear a space for fluid to drain into from the affected limb to be bandaged. Then the following sequence for bandaging is followed;
- toes or fingers are bandaged if badly swollen
- a cotton sleeve and padding is wrapped on limb to give an even surface for bandaging
- if fibrotic tissue apparent, ribbed foam is used under the padding
- over the top of the padding multi layered bandages are wound on the limb
- there are more layers of bandage at the fingers or toes than at the armpit or groin.
The bandaging pressure is progressively reduced by a lesser number of bandage layers the higher up the limb the bandages progress.
What next?
Bandaging for lymphoedema is simple and easy to do and it works if you do it.
After bandaging had been completed it may be years before it is needed again.
Putting aside 14 days to undertake lymphoedema bandaging can in many cases easily reduce your swelling by an amount of 20-60%.
If you want to be pro-active and learn how to do bandaging, there is a short course listed at this website to show you how to do it.
And remember; bandaging is a cost effective therapy that a neighbour, friend, relative or a professional can easily do for you once approved by the patients doctor..
The benefit of bandaging can be many years of a smaller well controlled lymphoedema affected limb with increased mobility and better lifestyle. This result far outweighs the inconvenience for 7-14 days of bandaging, or in many cases, just a little over a week, that it takes to bring your lymphoedema swelling under control.
