Grosgrain and elastic stockings for the reduction of lymphedema and the maintenance of the results of treatment

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of grosgrain and elastic stockings for the treatment of lower limb lymphedema and maintenance of the results. Method: Twenty-two consecutive patients who made use of grosgrain stockings for the treatment of lower limb lymphedema until normalization or near normalization of the limb, followed by the use of elastic stockings for the maintenance of the results. Evaluations were performed using volumetric analysis. This study involved patients with bilateral primary lower limb lymphedema located below the knee who used grosgrain stockings as monotherapy to achieve normalization or near normalization of leg volume and then began to use elastic compression stockings (30/40 mmHg) for the maintenance of the results. Results: A significant reduction in volume occurred with the use of the grosgrain stockings (p < 0.0001, paired t-test) and a significant increase occurred with the use of elastic stockings (p = 0.04). Grosgrain stockings are better than elastic stockings for the reduction in lymphedema. Conclusion: Elastic stockings are useful in maintaining the results, but must be combined with other forms of therapy for the significant mobilization of macromolecules.

Physiological Stimulation of the Synthesis of Preelastic Fibers in the Dermis of a Patient with Fibrosis

“…e treatment method influenced the physiological remodeling of this protein, which could be attributed to the synthesis of new elastic fibers. ese fibers account for only 2-4% of the ECM but play an important role in the elasticity of the skin [14]. e present study paves the way for a new line of research involving the physiological stimulation of the production and remodeling of elastin.…”

“…e patient was otherwise healthy, not obese, had no comorbidities, and continued working normally. e Godoy method for the treatment of lymphedema [11][12][13][14][15] adapted to fibrosis was proposed to achieve the normalization of the dermis (return of elasticity).…”

“…e intensive treatment method consists of cervical lymphatic therapy using the Godoy method (approximately 30 gentle movements on the skin in the supraclavicular region 15-20 minutes per day) [12], combined with 8 hours of mechanical lymphatic therapy involving an electromechanical device that performs approximately 25 passive plantar flexion and extension movements per minute [15], 2 hours per day of manual lymphatic therapy [13], and a compression mechanism (hand-crafted stocking made with grosgrain fabric [14] alternated with medium-stretch elastic bandages maintained throughout the entire treatment).…”

“…Novel concepts in the treatment of lymphedema have been adapted to the treatment of fibrosis. Such concepts propose the normalization or near normalization of lymphedema in all clinical stages, including elephantiasis, with the clinical reversal of fibrosis [11][12][13][14][15]. e aim of the present study was to report the physiological stimulation of the synthesis of preelastic fibers in the dermis of a patient with fibrosis.…”

Grosgrain Stockings in the Treatment of Primary Congenital Lymphedema

“…In recent years, Godoy & Godoy have developed a novel concept involving hand-crafted stockings made of grosgrain fabric. These stockings develop both working and resting pressure and therefore meet the criteria for the compression mechanism [5][6][7][8][9].…”