WEBINAR: Compression Therapy in Practice

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
The third of six sessions in our Compression Training Academy, this session will explore:
• Ease of use considerations
• Learning and cascade training
• Ease of selection
• Application methods
• Safety features
• Bandage durability and wear
• Competency framework and certification
Q&A
Time ran out before our team could answer the questions raised in the chat during the live webinar. Please see below for the answers.
Q: If my patient has bandage induced pressure damage, can I still compress?
A: Yes but use a primary dressing at the site of damage and make sure you are properly trained on the compression kit/materials you are using. Always remember to dorsal flex the ankle at a 90-degree angle (toes to the nose).
Q: What is the goal of compression therapy with venous insufficiencies, ulcers and associated conditions.
A: To support venous return, reduce edema, decrease pain, increase wound healing and prevent reoccurrence of symptoms.
Q: Is it safe to use additional orthopedic type wool materials to normalize limb shape when using some of the pre-selected kits available on the market?
A: Generally newly pre-selected kits have components which are compatible with each other - resist inter layer movement - some layer 1 materials are of a foam construction and most manufacturers of these will recommend not to use any other layers beneath and use additional of the kit layer to normalize limb shape.
Q: If a limb shape for example inverted champagne is not normalized will this affect the mmHg pressure delivered by the compression?
A: Newer innovative compression material manufacturers state that you do not require to normalize limb shape for compression mmHg purposes but may wish to add layer 1 to provide a smooth and even surface for the compression to be applied over - as we have explored we may wish to do so for aesthetic purposes but in newer compression materials this should not affect the compression levels delivered.
Q: Is it okay to apply an additional short stretch layer or Velcro device over an applied kit to increase the compression stiffness.
A: Kit manufacturers do not recommend that further compression materials are applied over compression kits to increase bandage stiffness. Each compression kit will have data available to indicate the stiffness of their materials (ask a representative for details) It is important to note that if practitioners do apply bandages or devices over an applied kit that they are acting outside of product license.