Lymphoedema compression garments

Compression garments are an important part of lymphoedema treatment.

They need to be well fitting to be effective. Compression garments provide graduated pressure to help reduce the swelling associated with lymphoedema, reducing pooling of fluid and moving excess fluid out of the affected area to improve lymphatic circulation. Compression garments also are important to maintain improvements.

Lymphoedema-trained practitioners are skilled at ensuring you have a properly fitting garment so that you have the correct pressure gradient on the affected area.

Compression sleeves come in a variety of colours and textures and can accommodate your personal preferences such as whether a glove is included in the sleeve or is separate. People who have breast lymphoedema may be advised to wear a compression bra or vest. Sometimes an insert for your bra may be recommended.

Commonly, garments are worn during the day and taken off at night. They also need to be replaced at regular intervals to ensure they provide the best support. Speak to your lymphoedema therapist for more information.

Subsidies for lymphoedema compression garments provide people diagnosed with lymphoedema with financial assistance towards the costs of their garments. The schemes are run by state and territory governments, and cover some, or all, of the cost of compression garments.

A complete list of compression garment schemes in each state and territory is available from the Australasian Lymphology Association.