Getting the right fit: Made-to-measure garments for lymphoedema management

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of custom made compression garments in the management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Patients often present to therapists with inappropriate, ill-fitting garments that can contribute to an increase in oedema and poor limb shape. Patients frequently report garments as being uncomfortable and therefore intolerable leading to a lack of concordance with wearing garments. The selection and fitting of the correct garment can affect outcomes and the patients' quality of life. The focus of this article is to increase the health professionals' knowledge and skills in the selection, measurement and fitting of custom made garments to ensure correct fit and increased concordance when compression garments are prescribed.