This important part of therapy augments the diminished tissue pressure and prevents the affected limb from refilling with lymph. The increased pressure also helps avoid any new lymph production. The bandages are worn overnight until the next Manual Lymph Drainage session. At the end of the course of treatment, when the limb has returned to normal or close to normal, the patient is fitted with an elastic support garment. This garment maintains the treatment and prevents the reaccumulation of lymph.
Every patient is instructed to perform remedial exercises with the bandages in place.
The exercises activate the muscles and joints in the affected areas, resulting in an increase in lymph flow and further reduction of the swollen limb over time. Elevation of the swollen limb ti just above heart level, particularly while the patient sleeps, increases the success of the treatments.