Revolutionary Compression Garments to Reduce Swelling

Guest Post

This week, we’re excited to partner with Sue Callison to learn about some revolutionary compression garments that reduce swelling. These Active Wear Garments incorporate a textured fabric, which is truly revolutionary.  Sue will explain the difference between Active Massage and Classic Medical Compression. She is the founder of Solidea U.S. and a breast cancer survivor who developed lymphedema from her treatments. Additionally, Sue has a wealth of knowledge about compression garments and the lymphedema condition. I hope you enjoy this guest blog post about these revolutionary compression garments to reduce swelling.

Active Massage Compression vs. Classic Medical Compression

First, let me say that one type of compression garment is NOT better than the other. Each takes a different approach to dealing with swelling and discomfort. The question is, which kind of compression garment is best for you in the long term? With conditions that cause swelling, consistently wearing compression garments is very important to help keep fluid from building up in your tissues. The more stagnant fluid that builds up, the more your condition may go from being something frustrating but manageable to something completely debilitating.

What Active Massage Compression Garments Do

Active Massage compression garments are designed to support the natural function of your lymphatic system. They work with your body to help manually stimulate lymphatic vessels to promote lymph drainage, similar to MLD (manual lymph drainage massage). Simply put, Active Massage garments are designed to help reduce swelling and the discomfort it can cause.

How Active Massage Compression Garments Work:

Unlike traditional medical compression, Active Massage garments pair a 3D wave knit on the fabric’s interior with lower compression. This innovation works with your body to help naturally improve lymphatic function. As your body moves, Active Massage garments can manually stimulate lymphatic drainage to support fluid movement as the body intended.

Why is Active Massage Not Available In a Higher Compression?

High-compression garments use pressure to contain swelling. Active Massage garments work on a different principle. They are designed to stimulate fluid movement through lymphatic vessels beneath the skin. These vessels run on very low pressure, so when too much compression is applied, they can collapse, leaving them unable to move fluid.

Who Are Active Massage Compression Garments Best For?

Active Massage garments are helpful for people who have lymphatic systems that still function, just at a lower capacity. Your lymphatic system may need support from the Active Massage garments to help move the fluid. You must be able to move around while wearing the garments to help activate the massage effect.

What Classic Medical Compression Garments Do:

Classic medical compression garments focus on high compression to help contain the swelling in the affected area.

Classic compression garments are not designed to reduce swelling. Their goal is to help maintain the gains made during therapy and/or keep the affected area from increasing in size.

Who Are Classic Medical Compression Garments Best For?

Classic medical compression garments are helpful for people who have minimal lymphatic function (not easy to control swelling). Your body may not have the lymphatic function to get that fluid out. It may need compression to keep the swelling from advancing. In addition, if you are immobile or require custom garments to fit your affected area, traditional classic compression garments may be for you.

Disclaimer—This blog is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for guidance on your specific condition.