Lymphological Bandaging

Bendaggio linfologico per linfedema e lipedema a Padova

IN PADUA, THE REFERENCE CENTRE FOR BANDAGING IN LYMPHOEDEMA AND LIPOEDEMA

Lymphological bandages, along with manual lymphatic drainage, have been the preferred method for treating lymphoedema for many years.

Until about a decade ago, bandages were the most effective tool for reducing the progression of this condition.

Bandaging must always be performed by highly experienced therapists to avoid applying a completely ineffective bandage or, conversely, one that could cause irreversible circulatory damage. Even today, it remains a fundamental part of the treatment protocol for lymphoedema.

Based on the latest international research evidence, the Clinica Linfologica Italiana in Padua combines lymphological bandaging with several other strategies and therapeutic methods, creating a multidisciplinary clinical approach specifically designed to treat lymphoedema.

The multicomponent elastocompressive lymphological bandaging increases blood flow velocity within the blood vessels, enhances lymphatic flow speed within the lymphatic collectors, promotes the reabsorption of excess fluid in the extracellular matrix, and modifies the state of the tissues.

HOW LYMPHOLOGICAL BANDAGING WORKS

At the Clinica Linfologica Italiana in Padua, lymphological bandaging is a key component of complex decongestion therapy for lymphoedema.

The therapist wraps the legs or arms affected by oedema following a very precise sequence (similar to manual lymphatic drainage) with decreasing pressure from distal to proximal: this approach promotes the movement of lymph toward the lymphatic vessels.

The bandages used are positioned to maintain constant pressure when the limb is at rest while also allowing for muscle expansion during exertion (another crucial element of the multidisciplinary treatment at the Clinica Linfologica Italiana is physiotherapy/exercise under the effect of the bandaging).

The bandaging practiced in lymphology is typically multi-layered. It involves the application of several layers of bandages, with the number varying based on the clinical situation.
Typically, a multilayer lymphological bandage is applied by first placing a layer of cotton to protect the skin. Over this, a polyurethane material is inserted to evenly distribute pressure across the limb or, conversely, to specifically modify pressure in certain areas. An elastic bandage is then applied to build the remaining layers.

The purpose of the bandaging is to reduce the volume of the limb affected by lymphoedema, thanks to decreased lymph production and improved lymph movement and reabsorption.

THE INNOVATION OF MEDICATED BANDAGES

In certain clinical situations, thanks to the partnership of the Clinica Linfologica Italiana with the leading company in Italy for the production of lymphological bandages, it is possible to use special “medicated bandages“.

Produced with an exclusive patent, these special
bandages are impregnated with zinc oxide and
coumarin, combining the anti-inflammatory effect
of zinc oxide with the oedema-reducing action of
coumarin.

Lymphological bandaging with medicated bandages is particularly effective in cases of:

Post-thrombotic oedema

Lymphoedema

Complicated chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) without ulceration

Complicated CVI with ulceration, due to a strong effect promoting granulation and re-epithelialization