![]() ![]() South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said this was the first time a Lymphoedema Compression Garment Subsidy Scheme had been offered to South Australians. Prescribed compression garments are the primary treatment for many patients, reducing the build-up of fluids in affected limbs, and supporting and improving circulation to these limbs. ![]() While there is currently no cure for the condition, it can be managed with appropriate intervention. The figures may be similar for other cancers including melanoma, gynaecological or prostate cancers.” “Approximately 20 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer will develop lymphoedema. “Often the disease develops as a result of damage to the lymphatic system during treatment for cancer. “Lymphoedema is a chronic condition characterised by swelling of certain parts of the body, usually a limb, caused by problems with the lymphatic system,” Minister Hunt said. The federal funding will be used to boost state and territory schemes to subsidise compression garments for lymphoedema, and contribute to establish schemes in South Australia and Western Australia, while the State Government funding will be focussed on delivering better services closer to home.įederal Minister for Health Greg Hunt said after extensive consultations, all states and territories agreed on outputs for the funding, which “represent a significant step towards a nationally consistent approach to this important issue.” That funding will begin immediately and be ongoing, while the Marshall Liberal Government will also provide almost $2.5 million over the next two years. The Morrison Government has committed $2 million a year for lymphoedema support at the National level. The non-elastic bandage sheath also counters refilling of fluid and reduces tissue fibrosis, further reducing volume.Australians diagnosed with lymphoedema now have greater access to therapeutic compression garments, thanks to investments from the Morrison Government and South Australian Marshall Government. Interstitial cycling between low-resting and high-working pressures creates an internal pump that encourages movement of congested lymph along the distal to proximal gradient created by bandaging. Muscle contractions increase interstitial pressure (working pressure) as muscles expand within the limited volume of the semi-rigid bandages. Pressure within the short-stretch bandages is low when the patient is inactive (resting pressure). To achieve an effective compression gradient, bandages must be strategically applied with low-to-moderate tension using more layers in the distal portions of the affected limb(s). Short-stretch bandages have limited extensibility under tension (50%), in contrast to Ace® bandages (300%). Multiple layers of short-stretch bandages are applied to the lymphedematous area(s). They also can be easily adjusted to fit changing limb size and compression needs. Bandages are the most effective and flexible form of compression, particularly in the early stages of treatment, and they provide proper compression when the patient is active or resting. ![]() Compression bandaging (CB) is a specialized form of compression used in the treatment of lymphedema. It should be worn only while the patient is awake and active and should be custom fitted. A compression garment is a knit, two-way stretch sleeve or stocking that is worn to assist in controlling swelling and to aid in moving lymph fluid from the affected area. ![]()
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