Once lymphedema has developed, the first choice of therapy should be garment stockings. However, over the past 15 years, some excellent pump devices have been developed. These devices known as intermittent pneumatic pump compression therapy can be used at home or in the hospital. The pumps are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. The pumps include large cuffs (just like the blood pressure cuffs) which are placed on the leg or arm. The machine is switched on and it recycles between compression and deflation 5 -10 times a minute. The sequential pumps act like a physical massage, squeezing the fluid out of the tissues, and moving it back into the blood stream.
The pumps are best utilized at night and in the morning one can wear stockings. This combination is claimed to be the ideal treatment for lymphedema. There is no other treatment, which even comes close to matching the results of pneumatic compression. Pneumatic compression pumps are not painful and one can get used to the sequential compression each night. The majority of individuals who use these pump are satisfied with the results.
If one has broken skin or has heart failure then the pumps cannot be used.
The compression cuffs are made of durable plastic reinforced with polyurethane and can last a long time. The cuffs are specially designed for long-term use and are available from most medical supplies stores. The machine to inflate the cuffs are quiet, have a timer and a monitor showing the pressure.
Many medical insurance companies and Medicare do cover the cost of sequential compression therapy for lymphedema.
Supplies for lymphedema are available at www.medexsupply.com
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