An essential component of long-term self-management
For individuals living with lymphedema or those at high risk to develop it, daytime compression garments are a cornerstone of long-term self-management. These garments help maintain limb and trunk volume, improve lymphatic flow, and support comfort during daily activity.
An Occupational Therapist who is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (OT, CLT-LANA) can design a personalized wearing schedule, guide you toward the right products for your unique body shape, and help ensure your compression routine is effective and sustainable.
Compression for Prevention
Scientific studies suggest that for people at high risk of developing lymphedema (such as after certain cancer surgeries or radiation treatments), wearing compression prophylactically before swelling is evident may reduce risk or delay onset. However, garment choice, fit, and wearing schedule should always be discussed with a trained professional to ensure the approach is safe and effective for your needs.
Choosing the Right Compression Garments
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Garment choice depends on your diagnosis, stage of lymphedema, lifestyle, and personal comfort. Here’s a closer look at some recommendations that have worked well for my patients:
Compression Bras
- Prairie Wear – Known for comfort and support, with moisture-wicking fabrics ideal for daily wear.
- Masthead Pink – Designed for post-surgical and ongoing lymphedema care, with gentle, even compression.
- Mobiderm – Features a unique foam structure to stimulate lymphatic flow, suitable for more targeted needs.
- Belisse – Adjustable and versatile, offering both post-operative support and ongoing compression for chest, breast, and trunk areas.
Custom Flat-Knit Garments
- Jobst Elvarex – The gold standard for Stage 2 lymphedema when custom fit is necessary. Flat-knit material provides excellent containment, especially for more pronounced swelling or complex shapes.
Trunk Compression Garments
- Wear Ease – Offers a variety of styles for chest, trunk, and axillary (underarm) compression, great for post-breast surgery or upper body swelling.
- Marena – Known for durable, medical-grade garments for the abdomen, hips, and upper trunk, including shorts and tanks that combine comfort with effective compression.
Arm Sleeves
- Juzo Soft – Lightweight, comfortable, and available in a wide range of colors, ideal for daily wear in early-stage lymphedema.
- Jobst Bella – Reliable, breathable, and well-suited for all-day use with consistent graduated compression.
Stockings
- Juzo Dynamic – Sturdy and durable for stubborn foot, ankle and leg swelling.
Why Professional Fitting Matters
Compression garments work only if they fit correctly. Being measured by a certified fitter is an investment that saves money and prevents frustration in the long run. Ill-fitting garments not only fail to manage swelling effectively but can also cause discomfort, skin irritation, or even worsen symptoms. Self-purchasing without guidance often leads to poor fit and early replacement costs.
At Katherine Jackson Occupational Therapy, PLLC, we collaborate with certified fitters and use precise measurements to ensure your garment works for you, not against you.
Personalized Guidance for Best Results
An OT, CLT-LANA can help you:
- Develop a safe and effective wearing schedule.
- Select products that contour to your body’s needs.
- Adjust your garment strategy as your symptoms change.
- Integrate compression with other lymphedema management tools.
Daytime compression is more than just a garment, it’s a key component of living well with lymphedema. With the right fit, the right product, and the right plan, you can support your health, mobility, and quality of life for years to come.
Keep ahead of your lymphedema with compression, don’t chase it
Flourish Recovery & Wellness 