Bandaging and Compression Therapy

Swelling and fluid retention can make movement uncomfortable and everyday activities challenging. Bandaging and compression therapy provide targeted support to reduce swelling, promote lymphatic flow, and help you feel more comfortable and in control.

What is Bandaging and Compression Therapy?

Bandaging and compression therapy are key components in the management of lymphoedema, lipoedema, and other forms of swelling (oedema). These treatments work by applying controlled pressure to the affected area to support the movement of fluid out of the tissues and help prevent fluid from building up again.

Compression supports the lymphatic and venous systems by improving fluid return and helping maintain limb shape and volume. It is commonly used alongside treatments such as manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, skin care, and education as part of a comprehensive swelling management plan.

Bandaging and compression therapy can be used during intensive treatment phases, following surgery or injury, or as part of long-term swelling management.

What to Expect During Your Assessment?

Before beginning bandaging or compression therapy, a comprehensive clinical assessment is essential. This allows your practitioner to determine the type of swelling present, the severity of the condition, and the most appropriate form and level of compression for your individual needs. The assessment is also important to ensure there are no contraindications or medical reasons why compression should not be used, helping to keep treatment safe and effective.

During treatment, specialised compression bandages or garments are applied to the affected limb or area. Bandaging techniques are carefully layered to provide graduated pressure, meaning the pressure is typically firmer further away from the body and gradually reduces closer to the body. This helps encourage fluid to move in the correct direction through the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

Bandages may be worn for a set period of time depending on your treatment plan, and your practitioner will provide guidance on how long they should remain in place and how they should be cared for.

Compression therapy is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, skin care, and education on self-management. Once swelling has improved, many people transition to compression garments to help maintain results and support long-term management.

Short Stretch bandaging

Applied to the limb by a trained specialist to reduce limb volume before garment fitting
This style of bandage can be washed and reused but require to be administered daily.
Good for those patients with sensitive skin to latex products
Provide high working pressure (while you're moving) and low resting pressure (while you're inactive)

Multi-layered bandaging

should be applied by a trained specialist
can be left on for longer periods but not reusable
bandages stick to themselves and adhere to the comfort layer underneath providing better cohesion and less slippage.
effective in reducing limb volume
some patients may have a sensitivity to some of the different styles of MLB
Comes in different lengths and width for ease of donning.

Compression garments

Off the shelf, made to measure or custom-made garments
effective management of Lymphoedema or Lipoedema
Measured by a trained specialist
Commonly, garments are worn during the day and taken off at night. They also need to be replaced at regular intervals to ensure they provide the best support
Compression garments come in a variety of colours and textures and can accommodate your personal preferences.
Subsidies for lymphoedema compression garments provide people diagnosed with lymphoedema with financial assistance towards the costs of their garments. See page on SWEP for more information.

What Can Bandaging and Compression Therapy Help With?

Bandaging and compression therapy help manage swelling, fluid build-up, and circulation issues by applying controlled pressure to affected areas, supporting fluid movement and reducing limb volume.

1 / Lymphoedema

Helps reduce swelling, soften firm tissue, and supports long-term lymphoedema management alongside other treatments.

2 / Lipoedema

Provides support to tissues, reduces heaviness and discomfort, and helps manage associated fluid accumulation.

3 / Post-surgical swelling

Supports fluid movement after surgery, reduces discomfort, and assists healing.

4 / Chronic oedema

Helps manage long-standing swelling and prevent fluid from building up.

5 / Venous insufficiency

Supports circulation in the legs and helps reduce fluid pooling and heaviness.

6 / Heaviness or tired limbs

Improves comfort and reduces the feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the limbs.

Education and Self-Management

An important part of bandaging and compression therapy is helping you understand how to manage swelling in your daily life. Your practitioner will provide education and guidance so you feel confident caring for your condition between appointments.

This may include learning how to apply or remove compression garments, how long compression should be worn, and how to recognise when compression may need adjusting. You may also receive advice on skin care, exercise, limb positioning, and activity levels to support lymphatic and circulatory function.

Self-management strategies help maintain the results achieved during treatment and play a key role in long-term swelling control. Your practitioner will tailor these recommendations to suit your condition, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

State-wide Equipment Program

The Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program (LCGP) assists all Victorians who are diagnosed with primary, secondary or sub-clinical Lymphoedema by providing financial assistance to eligible consumers for the purchase of compression garments and wraps.

To read more about this program please head to https://swep.bhs.org.au/lymphoedema-compression-garment-program.php

or speak with out team today!

Do you need a Referral?

Private Clients do not need a referral from your general practitioner (GP) or other medical specialist to book in for compression or bandaging appointments

If suitable, Compression and Banadgaing may be included as part of your lymphoedema, oedema, or lipoedema appointment

If you are eligible for the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, your GP must write a referral to receive one of the above appointments.

Please Note that these can only be used with Our Lymphoedema Physiotherapists.

Aged Care clients that have a Home Care Package will require appropriate documentation and referral from their GP or care coordinator, in line with their funding arrangements.