Compression Bandaging for Lymphedema Treatment
15Pages

Lohmann & Rauscher Compression Bandaging Guenter Klose

Compression therapy is an essential component of lymphedema management. Contents Introduction There are no existing guidelines on the subject of lymph­ edema bandaging nor on which bandage materials to employ. This book is designed to provide basic and prac­ tical information on this subject. Since the application of lymphedema bandages cannot be learned by watching others or from read ing textbooks, this book can only be of help to those who learn bandaging under supervision. It is therefore designed as an aid for lymphedema patients who have just completed Complete Decon gestive Therapy...

Lymph In addition to the blood circulating in arteries and veins, the body possesses a second circulating fluid, lymph. The arteries carry blood from the heart to the different body tissues; the veins and lymphatics carry blood and lymph back toward the heart. Lymph is a clear, colorless, transparent fluid that origi­ nates in tissue spaces throughout the body. From here, lymph vessels carry this fluid to the large veins in the neck. In the lymph vessels that drain the intestines, lymph is milky white because of its high fat content. Lymph differs from blood in that it contains less protein...

Avoiding Lymphedema – or Keeping it in Check Treatment Problems Patients who develop lymphedema clearly face a major problem. The reasons for this are numerous. No ex­ ist ing medical specialty includes lymphedema among the conditions that it treats, and few residency training programs offer specific instruction in its prevention or effective treatment. Since there are only a few experts who specialize in lymphology or have devoted them­ selves to patients with this disorder, the patient is un­ sure about where to turn for advice or treatment. Many patients are referred from one doctor to...

Manual Lymph Drainage/Complete Decongestive Therapy (MLD/CDT) 1. Hygiene and Topical Skin Products Meticulous hygienic care is essential. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate bacterial and fungal growth, either of which can lead to repeated attacks of cellulitis and/or lymphangitis. Meticulous skin and nail care are taught and practiced. Low pH skin lotions are used twice a day to reduce the risk of infection. pressure in lymphedema. This is an important compo­ nent of the therapy in that it augments the diminished tissue pressure and prevents the affected limb from refilling with...

Principles of Lymphedema Bandaging Before beginning a bandage, the proper selection of bandaging materials is essential. The items need ed for a lymphedema bandage are described in this book. Why Short Stretch Bandages? It is most important to avoid the use of highly elastic bandages such as Ace-bandages, since they create a high resting pressure (Figure IV) that is very difficult to tolerate. Muscle Pump: Muscle activity decompresses both the venous and lymphatic system. Figure II: Contracted Muscles IV. MLD and Bandaging Break Up Deposits of Accumulated Scar and Connective Tissue First...

Precautions and Contra indications of Lymphedema Bandaging Precautions In lymphedema, the proper application of short stretch compression bandages does not interfere with normal blood circulation. Nevertheless it is strongly recom­ mended that a physician’s prescription prior to ban­ daging be obtained. To rule out any complications, it is necessary to have a complete medical history of the patient. Extra precaution must be used when lymphedema is combined with conditions such as hypertension, paralysis, diabetes, heart-failure, bronchi­ al asthma, etc. Lymphedema bandaging should never...

Lymphedema Bandaging Materials Materials used in Lymphedema Bandaging tg® Tubular Bandage, tg® soft or Plain Cotton Stockinette These items are used to protect the skin. Since they contain mainly cotton which absorbs excess perspira­ tion, it is important to use a tubular bandage under­ neath the compression bandages. they serve to distribute the pressure evenly over the area of an arm or a leg. For maximum cushioning in skin creases or bony prominences (e.g. popliteal fossa, ankle, wrist, etc.) they can be used as a double or triple layer. Mollelast® Elastic Classic Conforming Bandage...

Recommended Materials for Lymphedema Bandaging of the Upper Extremity Lotion Low pH lotion One tubular bandage Size: 5 or 6 (varies by product selection) tg® Tubular Bandage, tg® soft or Plain Cotton Stockinette Recommended Materials for Lymphedema Bandaging of the Lower Extremity Two elastic conforming bandages Width: 4 or 6 cm (to be folded in half) Mollelast® Two padding bandages Width: 10 cm Cellona® Synthetic Padding Undercast or Rosidal® soft Alternatively, two 10-cm wide soft compression bandages Rosidal® SC Four to five short stretch compression bandages Width: one 6 cm, one 8 cm,...

Application of a Lymphedema Bandage for the Upper Extremity 2. rapping the fingers: Begin W 3. ach finger will then be indivi­ E 4. ote: To achieve greater com­ N 5. Start a Cellona or Rosidal soft 6. Double or triple the padding moisturizing skin lotion. Cut with the chosen prefolded dually wrapped. Coming from padding bandage (width: 10 bandage for added protection enough to cover the whole Mollelast elastic con for ming the top of the hand, make cir­ hand and for more comfort in the cubital crease (inside of selected tubular bandage and bandage. Make one complete cular turns around each...

Application of a Lymphedema Bandage for the Lower Extremity 2. rapping the toes: Begin with W 3. ach toe will then be indivi­ E 4. o achieve greater compressi­ T 5. Start a Cellona or Rosidal soft 7. Cushion the calf with the re­ 8. he first Rosidal K short T moisturizing skin lotion. Put a prefolded Mollelast elastic dually wrapped. Coming from padding bandage (width: 10 ankle and the heel, incorpo­ maining padding band age. stretch compression bandage the selected tubular bandage conforming band age. Make the top of the foot, make cir­ rate the precut foam pads Each turn overlaps the pre­...