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Compression Garment Guidelines

 

When and How Should I Wear My Compression Garment?

  • Put on your garment first thing in the morning, or as instructed by your Physical Therapist.
  • DO NOT wear your garment to sleep at night, as sleeping in your garment may restrict blood flow to the area.
  • Keep the skin clean and dry.
  • Check skin daily for any increase in swelling of the limb to make sure the garment continues to fit well.
  • Check skin daily for any cuts, rashes, or signs of infection.
  • Call your doctor RIGHT AWAY if you think you have an infection. If you doctor is not available, go to an urgent care facility or hospital emergency room.

 

How Do I Take Care of My Compression Garment?

  • Wear rubber gloves to put on, take off and smooth your garment. This prevents damage to the garment.
  • Avoid pulling on the garment. This will keep it from sagging and reduce wear and tear.
  • Adjust your compression garment throughout the day. It may slip down as you move around.
  • Wash your garment by hand every day. Use mild soap or detergent and rinse well. Roll it in a towel to remove extra moisture. Lay garment flat to dry. Avoid putting it in the dryer, as that may harm the fabric.
  • We recommend having a second garment(s) to use while you are washing the other one. This also lets you alternate the garment(s) each day.
  • Compression garments may last for 3 to 6 months with normal use and then need to be replaced. If your garment has a hole in it, is starting to stretch out or feel loose, it is time to be measured for a new one.

 

How Do I Get a New Garment?

  • Speak to your doctor to get a prescription for new compression garments.
  • Go to a certified fitter to be measured and fitted for all your garments.

 

Please call Rusk Rehabilitation’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Department at
(212) 263-6033 with any questions about compression garments.

 

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Compression Garment Guidelines

 

When and How Should I Wear My Compression Garment?

  • Put on your garment first thing in the morning, or as instructed by your Physical Therapist.
  • DO NOT wear your garment to sleep at night, as sleeping in your garment may restrict blood flow to the area.
  • Keep the skin clean and dry.
  • Check skin daily for any increase in swelling of the limb to make sure the garment continues to fit well.
  • Check skin daily for any cuts, rashes, or signs of infection.
  • Call your doctor RIGHT AWAY if you think you have an infection. If you doctor is not available, go to an urgent care facility or hospital emergency room.

 

How Do I Take Care of My Compression Garment?

  • Wear rubber gloves to put on, take off and smooth your garment. This prevents damage to the garment.
  • Avoid pulling on the garment. This will keep it from sagging and reduce wear and tear.
  • Adjust your compression garment throughout the day. It may slip down as you move around.
  • Wash your garment by hand every day. Use mild soap or detergent and rinse well. Roll it in a towel to remove extra moisture. Lay garment flat to dry. Avoid putting it in the dryer, as that may harm the fabric.
  • We recommend having a second garment(s) to use while you are washing the other one. This also lets you alternate the garment(s) each day.
  • Compression garments may last for 3 to 6 months with normal use and then need to be replaced. If your garment has a hole in it, is starting to stretch out or feel loose, it is time to be measured for a new one.

 

How Do I Get a New Garment?

  • Speak to your doctor to get a prescription for new compression garments.
  • Go to a certified fitter to be measured and fitted for all your garments.

 

Please call Rusk Rehabilitation’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Department at
(212) 263-6033 with any questions about compression garments.

 

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.