How Much Compression Is Needed to Effectively Manage Truncal Lymphedema?
by Lesli Bell, PT, CLT-LANA There have been no scientific studies about the appropriate amount of compression for truncal lymphedema, because no measurement system has been developed to assess the amount and quality of swelling in the trunk. All we can do right now is rely on practitioners’ ability to palpate and assess swelling and treatment needs. Treatment considerations for truncal lymphedema are very different than those for arm lymphedema. For example, the tissue around the chest wall is much less bulky and has much less muscle than arm tissue. In the breasts themselves there are no muscles at all to pump out fluid. Therefore the amount of compression needed on the breasts and trunk is far less than in the arm. Another problem with determining the appropriate amount of compression for truncal edema is that swelling, pressure, and discomfort frequently fluctuate with heat, activity, and even with flying. The level of edema in trunk is very sensitive to pressure changes, which is w
