Other treatment options include pneumatic compression pumps, which are used for our patients occasionally. Care must be taken when using these pumps in order to prevent further problems, and we strongly recommend adding self-massage to a pump protocol.
Many companies make compression sleeves and stockings.
In the past you may have worn one of these without any other treatment, and may have had some problems with it. Research shows that compression garments are more effective and better tolerated when the arm or leg is decongested first. Most of our patients have also found that the knitted garments are more comfortable and effective than the old seamed ones that they used to wear. Standard sizes of knitted garments also allow us to fit many patients at a lower cost. These precautions are presented to you to help prevent any complications that might result from having some of the lymph nodes removed from under your arm.