What is the best compression product for lymphedema treatment?
Lymphedema is individualized to the specific patient, therefore there really is not one product but a collection of products that can help clinicians treat their variety of patients. Here you will learn which products are available from medi® across the broad portfolio, and where they fit into the treatment process. You can then determine which products will fit into your personal toolbox of treatment.
What is the medi lymphedema therapy concept?
The medi lymphedema therapy concept is a modified version of many treatment models that consist of different phases of therapy including decongestive, transitions and maintenance periods. Each phase has unique challenges that require specific products to assist clinicians in achieving their desired results.
The Decongestion Phase:
Intensive therapy reduces swelling by decongesting impaired lymphatic pathways, reducing lymphatic load, encouraging the development of collateral drainage routes, and stimulating remaining routes. The frequency of treatment, degree of compression and types of compression used should be adapted according to the patient’s physical and psychosocial needs.
Products for Phase 1 – Decongestion:
The Transition Phase:
Following intensive therapy, some patients may benefit from a one to three-month period of transition management before progressing to long-term therapy. The transition period may be helpful to:
- Maximize the effects of intensive therapy and stabilize fluctuations in swelling to an individually acceptable level.
- Prevent rebound swelling once transitioned to compression hosiery.
- Evaluate long-term maintenance strategies.
- Support and facilitate self-management.
- Reduce practitioner input.
The Maintenance Phase:
The long-term management of lymphedema focuses on enhancing the function of the lymphatics, limiting further deterioration of swelling, and gaining long-term control of the condition. Success relies on self-management by patients and caregivers, with appropriate and effective education, training, and medical and psychosocial support. It involves:
- Daily skin care
- Exercise/movement
- Compression – compression garments, bandaging or an inelastic adjustable compression devices
