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Use of Compression Garments with Lymphedema

Amy Pannullo, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT, ATC, Kirsten Wightman Krell, PT, DPT, CLT

April 23, 2014

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Question

Can you review the use of compression garments with patients with lymphedema?

Answer

A compression garment acts as a container to prevent the accumulation or reaccumulation of fluid into interstitial spaces.  If they are not appropriate for bandaging, then a compression garment would be used.  After treatment of manual lymphatic drainage and circulatory exercises in the clinic, the client would go home and put on the compression device.  It provides long term management to prevent the accumulation of fluids in the upper and/or lower extremities.  This is especially true if the patient is active and is exercising or traveling a lot. They need to be remeasured every 6-12 months depending on type of garment and wearing schedule to prevent regression.  It is very important to educate the client about the use of these garments.


amy pannullo

Amy Pannullo, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT, ATC

Amy Pannullo graduated from Stony Brook University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May 2005.  She then went on to specialize in the field of women’s/men’s health, earning her board certification as a Women’s Health Certified Specialist, and credentials as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.  She actively serves as a mentor for Duke University’s Women’s Health Residency program, a teaching assistant for the DPT program and Certified Clinical Instructor for student internships.  Amy is currently the MOSC Liaison for the APTA American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Women’s Specialty Council. 


kirsten wightman krell

Kirsten Wightman Krell, PT, DPT, CLT

Kirsten Wightman graduated with her doctorate of physical therapy in May of 2012 from the University of Miami. She then went on to pursue a yearlong residency in the field of Women’s Health Physical Therapy at Duke University under the direct mentorship of some of the best women’s health clinical specialists in the country. She received her lymphedema certification in the fall of 2012 through the Norton School of Lymphatic therapy. With a true passion for treating pelvic health and the lymphedema/oncology population, she is currently employed at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Sunnyvale, CA working in women’s health and cancer care. Kirsten is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Section on Women’s Health and has been a speaker at several local and national physical therapy meetings throughout the country.


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