Written by Morgan Hopkins, DPT, CMTPT
The use of lymphedema pumps and compression devices for lymphedema treatment has proven safe and effective for nearly 70 years and is used within both medical and home treatment environments. Whether you’re hoping to relieve pain, regain mobility, or reduce the risk for circulatory problems in the future, compression devices and lymphedema pumps can be your solution to better health!
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by the buildup of lymphatic fluid in the body, most commonly within the legs and arms, that causes swelling and discomfort. It can affect anyone and can be caused either by genetics or by external damage to the lymphatic system through illness, medical complications, or other sources. Lymphedema affects nearly 10 million people in the US alone and can be painful and even debilitating if left untreated.
Lymphedema pumps are specialized therapy devices that promote circulation and fluid absorption through compression, alleviating pain and improving mobility for individuals suffering from lymphatic fluid buildup.
Most lymphedema pumps are designed for long-term home treatment, and can easily be programmed to fit a treatment regimen prescribed by a doctor or therapist. A wide range of styles and features are available to best suit any need.
There are many pump features and styles, from fully automated sequential pressure systems to single-chamber continuous compression devices. Most pumps conveniently require no modifications to your living space; they plug into a regular wall outlet and can be used while seated on your bed or couch!
Also called pneumatic compression devices, sequential compression machines, or leg compression machines, these pumps have a variety of benefits in addition to lymphedema treatment, such as:
Designed for home use, patients put on a flexible, specialized garment such as a sleeve or boot that covers the affected areas of the body. The garment is comprised of one or more chambers that are inflated with compressed air, applying pressure to the limb from within. Similarly to a blood pressure cuff, air pressure within the garment can be raised or lowered to achieve specific results.
Lymphedema pumps work by placing a limb into a specialized garment, which inflates one or more chambers with compressed air. This external compression affects the internal pressure of veins, tissue, and capillaries, helping veins absorb more liquid and return the extra fluid to the circulatory system. This compression reduces swelling and discomfort in the affected areas and encourages better blood flow and circulation in the entire body. Airflow within the chambers can be controlled with precise measurements, allowing you to increase or decrease pressure as needed during treatment.
Some lymphedema pumps apply continuous pressure on a limb through a single air chamber, while others have numerous chambers that can operate individually for gradual pressure changes and more control over treatment. Most standard models have four chambers, with some having as many as twelve independently operating sections! Oftentimes, gradual or sequential pressure can be more effective in encouraging drainage in a specific direction and moving fluid toward the heart for more rapid absorption and circulation.
Lymphedema pumps remain the leading long-term treatment plan for individuals with lymphedema, with minimal negative side effects and no danger for long-term use alongside regular medical visits. With regular use, lymphedema pumps can permanently decrease limb circumference and reduce swelling over time while increasing tissue elasticity.
Compression pumps are equally as effective for both primary and secondary lymphedema.
The length of use for leg compression machines can vary depending on your intended results and therapy program. For pre- or post-exercise compression therapy, a shorter treatment of 15-20 minutes is typical. For lymphedema treatment, an hour daily is recommended and is usually prescribed for when swelling is at its worst during the day.
While many pumps can achieve high levels of pressure, more compression is not always better, and you should consult with a medical professional to find the best treatment plan for you. Most treatment plans recommend somewhere between 40 and 60 mmHg of pressure depending on the severity and location of treatment areas.
Yes, you can use a compression machine while pregnant. Lymphedema pumps are great resources for managing and even preventing blood clots in higher-risk pregnancies. They can also be used to safely reduce swelling and fluid retention in extremities during pregnancy, which can be a common cause of discomfort.
Check out this helpful video for a helpful example of how a lower-body lymphedema pump operates. Instructions may vary depending on location, severity, or recommended treatment of injuries.
Pumps used for treatment of both primary and secondary lymphedema are covered by Medicare, but patients must first undergo a four-week conservative therapy treatment to determine if longer-term treatment is needed.
If, after treatment with a graduated compression stocking or sleeve, exercise, and elevation, there is no significant improvement, a lymphedema pump may be covered for continual use. We highly recommend looking for your specific details for Medicare coverage before making your purchase, however.
Benefits:
Side Effects:
Pumps should not be used with other compression garments or bandages at the same time, as high-pressure treatment can cause complications in the circulatory system. Please speak with your doctor or a medical professional before using a lymphedema pump.
Non-segmented pumps, also called single-chamber pumps, are compression devices that inflate at the same rate across the entire limb and provide uniform pressure on all areas at the same time.
These are the simplest and often most affordable types of pumps, and they can be inflated and deflated periodically to provide varied pressure during treatment. Similar to a compression sleeve or sock, they can work both as preventative and responsive care for individuals with lymphedema.
Segmented, or multi-chamber compression devices, can have anywhere from 4 to 12 chambers that can be programmed to inflate in a specific order.
These pumps can provide more customizable care options for your specific needs. Four-chamber models are standard practice, with more chambers offering further specialized care. Chambers can be programmed to inflate sequentially, to more efficiently move fluid away from the extremities and towards the heart.
Lymphedema pumps for arms are typically full-arm sleeves that cover from fingertip to shoulder. They can be used bilaterally by treating each arm independently and allowing you to use your other hand and arm freely, or at the same time for faster treatment. Typically, sequential pressure is applied from the wrist to the shoulder, encouraging fluid to move upward and toward the heart for proper circulation.
Generally, pneumatic compression pumps for arms are used while seated and with the arm lying flat on a table or armrest during treatment. An adjustable chest strap can be worn to keep the garment in place while treatment is given.
Lower-body pneumatic compression machines come in a wide range of styles. There are smaller tube-shaped compression garments that can focus on targeted areas such as the calf or thigh only. There are also single-leg garments that encapsulate one leg from foot to hip, as well as lower-body lymphedema pumps that offer treatment on both legs simultaneously.
Depending on your treatment plan, the legs and feet may require stronger compression than the upper extremities. Typically, lower-body lymphedema pumps are used while lying on a bed or couch, to aid in fluid drainage and comfort during treatment.
Continuous compression provides ongoing pressure to the limb that can slowly be increased as patients begin to feel relief. Rather than compressing and releasing, continuous compression often slowly ramps up until treatment is over, then releases pressure all at once. This can mimic the effects of a compression sock or sleeve, but with greater pressure than a regularly worn garment can provide.
Single-chamber compression garments can use continuous compression to treat large areas at once. This type of treatment is effective for increasing circulation and blood flow, as well as soothing muscle soreness and encouraging skin elasticity.
Intermittent compression applies pressure in programmed intervals, turning on and off automatically as part of your treatment plan. Both sequential and gradient compression fall under this compression type. Intermittent compression can be used in both multi-chamber and single-chamber lymphedema pumps.
Intermittent compression can be extremely helpful for individuals with limited mobility, making sure there is proper circulation to prevent blood clots and DVT. Intermittent compression can also be used to move retained fluid away from the farthest region of the limb towards the heart for rapid reabsorption.
Sequential compression is designed to direct fluid away from the extremities by slowly increasing pressure, starting with the chamber farthest from the patient’s heart. The first and farthest chambers are inflated, followed by the second, then the third, until the compression garment is fully inflated. This “milking” motion encourages accumulated fluid to move toward the heart, providing instant relief from uncomfortable swelling and promoting fast recirculation.
With sequential compression, each chamber is inflated to the same level of pressure throughout the garment, providing uniform compression along the limb. This massaging motion can also help prevent blood clots, venous stasis, and blood pooling in users who are inactive or bed-bound.
Similar to sequential compression, gradient compression begins at the distal, or farthest, end of the limb, and provides gradual pressure that moves upwards toward the center of the body. However, gradient compression applies the highest pressure within the farthest pocket of air and reduces pressure in each following chamber.
This treatment is often recommended for the treatment of DVT along with lymphedema. It helps maintain reduced volume in treated limbs and reduces the backflow of lymphatic fluid.
These pumps are safe and can be used alongside other treatments without interference or side effects. With a wide range of styles and features available, you’ll be able to find the right machine to fit your needs and customize your treatment plan!
If you’re ready to make your decision, check out our article The 5 Best Lymphedema Pumps to see our top 5 picks and see what machine is right for you! You can also visit us at Caregiver University for helpful guides and more information on lymphedema pumps and so much more.
Morgan Hopkins is a licensed doctor of physical therapy and freelance medical writer. She practiced clinically in outpatient orthopedics for 8+ years specializing in intramuscular dry needling, dance medicine, and post-operative care. Morgan seeks to be a leader in the continued shift toward preventative healthcare, helping people optimize movement now so they can move for years to come. She is a firm believer in complementary therapies, holistic wellness, and functional fitness and is thrilled to be able to educate others through Rehabmart’s platform.
