Sequential Pneumatic Compression: How Can It Help Lymphoedema, Lipoedema and Swelling?
If you have lymphoedema, lipoedema, chronic swelling or swelling associated with a wound, your therapist may recommend sequential pneumatic compression as part of your treatment.
The equipment can look a little unusual at first, usually involving a large sleeve or garment connected to a pump, but treatment itself is generally quite simple and relaxing.
So, what exactly is sequential pneumatic compression, and how can it help?
What is sequential pneumatic compression?
Sequential pneumatic compression, sometimes called intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), is a form of compression therapy.
A specialised garment containing a series of overlapping air chambers is placed over the affected area. Depending on the area being treated, this may look like a sleeve for an arm, a boot or leg garment, or a larger garment that treats the legs and surrounding areas.
The garment is connected to a pneumatic compression pump, which gradually fills and releases the different chambers with air.
Rather than squeezing the whole limb at once, the chambers inflate and deflate in a programmed sequence. This creates a gentle, rhythmic compression through the tissues.
How does it work?
Our lymphatic and venous systems play important roles in returning fluid from our tissues back towards the circulation.
When these systems are not working effectively, fluid can accumulate within the tissues, contributing to swelling, heaviness, and discomfort.
Sequential pneumatic compression applies external pressure to the tissues in a controlled pattern. The sequential inflation of the chambers helps encourage the movement of fluid through the limb and towards areas where it can be more effectively returned to the circulation.
Research supports pneumatic compression as a useful adjunct to lymphoedema management, with studies demonstrating reductions in limb volume and improvements in some quality-of-life measures.
Importantly, the pump is usually one part of treatment rather than a replacement for your overall management plan. Your therapist will often combine it with compression garments or bandaging, exercise, skin care, manual lymphatic drainage and other strategies depending on your individual needs.
What does treatment feel like?
Once you are comfortably positioned, your therapist will fit the pneumatic compression garment and select the appropriate treatment program and pressure.
You will feel the different sections of the garment gradually inflate around you before releasing again. People often describe the sensation as a firm but comfortable massage or gentle squeezing moving through the limb.
Treatment settings and duration are individualised. Your therapist will consider factors such as your condition, symptoms, tissue presentation, medical history and how you respond to compression.
Treatment should not be painful. If something feels uncomfortable, tight, or unusual, let your therapist know so that the treatment can be adjusted.
How can pneumatic compression help with lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to adequately transport lymphatic fluid, resulting in persistent swelling.
Sequential pneumatic compression may help to:
Research into lower-limb lymphoedema has demonstrated reductions in limb volume with pneumatic compression, although the best treatment program will vary between individuals.
For some people, pneumatic compression may also form part of a longer-term self-management program using an appropriate home device.
What about lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving abnormal and disproportionate adipose tissue, most commonly affecting the legs and sometimes the arms. It can also be associated with pain, tenderness, feelings of heaviness and swelling.
Pneumatic compression does not remove the abnormal adipose tissue associated with lipoedema. However, it may be useful for managing some of the symptoms associated with the condition.
Depending on the individual, pneumatic compression may help with:
Research into pneumatic compression for lipoedema is still developing, but studies have reported improvements in measures including swelling, limb circumference, pain and quality of life for some people.
How can it help with wounds and chronic leg swelling?
Pneumatic compression may also be used in people with venous disease, ulcers or chronic wounds.
The calf muscles normally act as a pump when we walk, helping return blood from the legs towards the heart. Reduced mobility, venous disease and persistent oedema can interfere with this process and cause delayed healing.
By providing repeated external compression, pneumatic compression can assist fluid movement and help manage oedema whilst encouraging healing.
Managing swelling can be an important component of wound care, particularly when oedema or venous disease is contributing to delayed healing.
However, wound management is highly individualised. Your clinician will consider the type of wound, circulation, skin condition, medical history and other factors before determining whether pneumatic compression is appropriate.
Is pneumatic compression suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily.
Before commencing treatment, your clinician will complete an assessment to determine whether pneumatic compression is safe and appropriate for you.
Certain medical conditions require pneumatic compression to be avoided or modified. Your therapist will ask about your medical history and may assess factors such as your circulation, swelling, skin integrity and current symptoms before commencing treatment.
This is also why simply using the highest pressure possible is not the goal. The treatment program should be selected for the individual and the condition being treated.
Where does it fit into my treatment?
Think of sequential pneumatic compression as another tool within your overall management plan.
For lymphoedema, lipoedema and chronic oedema, successful long-term management will often involve a combination of strategies. These may include appropriately fitted compression garments, movement and exercise, skin care, weight and general health management where appropriate, manual techniques and education about self-management.
Pneumatic compression can provide an additional way of managing fluid and symptoms – and for some people, it can be a particularly comfortable and relaxing part of treatment.
If you are wondering whether sequential pneumatic compression could be useful for your lymphoedema, lipoedema or chronic swelling, speak with your lymphoedema therapist. They can assess your individual presentation and determine whether it may be an appropriate addition to your treatment plan.
At Restore
At Restore, we use compression pumps during sessions to help reduce limb size, soften tissue and relieve pain. We also often prescribe them for home use.
Through Medirent, you can hire (and later purchase) medical-grade, TGA-registered compression pumps to use at home. Your Restore therapist will assess your needs and arrange the referral to Medirent for you.
Using a compression pump at home is a great way to keep up the benefits of your treatment between in-clinic appointments.
