Treating Lymphedema With Compression Arm Sleeves

lymphedema compression arm sleeves

The use of lymphedema compression arm sleeves is usually part of the overall treatment plan for breast cancer patients who are suffering from lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a common side effect of breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. It can affect people during months of the therapy or years after the treatment ends. While it can affect any part of the body, it’s more common on the upper extremities such as the arms and hand among patients who underwent breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. Other areas that can be affected by lymphedema include the breast, underarm, chest, and back.

Lymphedema Among Breast Cancer Patients

Breast surgery is often the treatment of choice among patients with breast cancer. Typically, this surgery involves the removal of 2-3 lymph nodes and sometimes, it involves the removal of more than 3 nodes. As a result, some of the nodes and vessels are damaged, blocking the flow of lymph. Because of this blockage in lymph flow, the fluid backs up into the body’s tissues causing swelling.

About 1 out of 5 people develops lymphedema as a result of breast cancer treatment that involves removal of the lymph nodes. It is also a common side effect of radiotherapy to the lymph nodes in the armpit.

Lymphedema can be treated using exercises, use of compression garments like lymphedema compression arm sleeves, pneumatic compression, and complete decongestive therapy. While studies are yet to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of using compression garments alone in treating lymphedema, research has it that the use of garments like lymphedema compression arm sleeves as part of the overall treatment plan is effective in treating lymphedema.

Using Compression Garments For Treating Lymphedema

Compression garments like compression sleeves and arms are specifically designed to put pressure around the affected sites such as the arm, hand, or trunk. These garments are made of flexible fabric and are typically tighter at the bottom than at the top. It is designed this way to create a graded pressure to keep the lymph moving out of the upper extremity.

When buying compression garments for lymphedema on the arms, it’s best to get it from a reputable compression garment seller. Bioflect therapy garments provide high-quality lymphedema compression garments like lymphedema compression arm sleeves, lymphedema compression shorts, and lymphedema slimming vest.

These compression garments are made from a special kind of therapy fabric that makes them effective in treating lymphedema. This kind of fabric also makes these garments more comfortable to wear which helps in increasing patient compliance.

You can get your own lymphedema compression arm sleeves and other lymphedema compression garments from Bioflect’s official website.

Image Source: Gerry Lauzon

Posted by: on 1/4/2016


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