Could a compression bandage used with a patient with lymphedema increase the patient's blood pressure? Do you take special care to monitor this if they have a diagnosis of hypertension?
Answer
Since compression bandaging will increase fluid return to the heart, it can increase blood pressure. It is important to monitor blood pressure both before and after manual lymphatic drainage treatment. It is also helpful to educate the patient on signs and symptoms of adverse effects related to bandaging. These signs include headaches, shortness of breath, and facial redness and pressure.
Amy H. Pannullo, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT
Amy Pannullo graduated from Stony Brook University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May 2007. She then went on to specialize in the field of women’s/men’s health, earning her board certification as a Women’s Health Certified Specialist, and credentials as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She actively serves as a mentor for Duke University’s Women’s Health Residency program, a teaching assistant for the DPT program and a Certified Clinical Instructor for student internships.
Kirsten I. Wightman, PT, DPT, CLT
Kirsten Wightman graduated with her doctorate of physical therapy in May of 2012. She then went on to pursue a yearlong residency in the field of Women’s Health physical therapy at Duke University under the direct mentorship of some of the best women’s health clinical specialists in the country. She received her lymphedema certification in the fall of 2012 through the Norton School of Lymphatic therapy. With a true passion for treating pelvic health and the lymphedema/oncology population, she will start a new position at Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Sunnyvale, CA in the fall of 2013 working in women’s health and cancer care.
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