Effects of light pressure compression therapy using a tubular bandage together with foam padding in patients having difficulty wearing compression garments and elastic bandaging

ABSTRACT

Complex decongestive therapy for lymphedema includes skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise, and management of patients will include education about risk reduction and self-management. Specifically, compression therapy commonly employs elastic bandages with garments having more than 30 mmHg of compression. Some patients have difficulty wearing general compression garments due to complications, conflicts with activities of daily living（ADL）, and lack of compliance. Therefore, the effectiveness of light pressure compression using a tubular bandage together with foam padding was examined in 15 lymphedema patients of ISL（International Society of Lymphology）stageⅡ classification. In circumference comparisons among limb measurements between pre- and post-treatment, a significant decrease was found for all measurement points. In comparisons of shape change of limbs, we also noted significant improvements between pre- and post-treatment assessments. Furthermore, patient feeling and behavior tended to ameliorate along with increases in ADL and quality of life（QOL）. Based on these findings, light pressure compression using a tubular bandage along with foam padding may be an effective treatment option for ISL stageⅡ lymphedema patients who are unable to wear general compression garments and short stretch compression bandaging.