Do you use a pneumatic compression pump to treat your lymphedema?

If so, what you do before you pump may matter, too!

Here’s a tip worth discussing with your lymphedema therapist:

Prepare before you pump

For more than 10 years, I’ve used my Flexitouch compression pump for my leg. Before each session, I’ve made it part of my routine to prepare my lymphatic pathways with a short session of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

A compression pump helps move fluid from a swollen limb. Your therapist may also teach you a gentle MLD routine to help prepare the central drainage pathways before using your pump.

Here’s the routine I use for my leg:

1. Deep abdominal breathing
Take 5 slow, comfortable breaths.

2. Prepare the central areas
Using very light pressure, gently stretch the skin around the collarbones, armpits, and/or groin, as instructed by your therapist.

3. Prepare the pathways
For leg lymphedema, this may include the abdomen, hip, and trunk. For arm lymphedema, it may include the chest and trunk.

4. Use your pump
Follow your prescribed pressure, treatment time, and settings.

5. Compression afterward
Put on your prescribed compression garment if it’s part of your treatment plan.

⚠️Important: MLD techniques and pump settings should be individualized. Always follow the instructions from your certified lymphedema therapist. What works for one person may not be right for another.