How to Make a Compression Arm Sleeve

A compression arm sleeve is typically made up of elastic bandages and is used to reduce swelling in the upper extremity. Some medical professionals may also have an elastic tube of material that they cut to fit your arm, and that will slide up over your hand and onto your arm. Compression arm sleeves may be used for a person with acute swelling following an injury, or in lymphadema therapy by a trained professional.

Things You'll Need

• Elastic bandage or tube sleeving

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Instructions

• 1

  Tubal sleeving or elastic bandages may be used to make a compression arm sleeve.

  Start wrapping elastic wrap at the end of the arm. Wraps may start at the wrist or at the palm and go through the web space (between the thumb and pointer finger).

• 2

  Wrap once more over the first layer to secure wrap. Do not pull the wrap too tightly; you should be able to place a finger underneath the wrap if necessary.

• 3

  Wrap the bandage around the arm until you reach the desired end point, usually until the swelling area is completely covered. Secure the wrap with a clasp, tape or Velcro.

• 4

  Assess whether the bandage is too tight by noting the coloring of the skin and asking the injured person how the wrap feels. If the wrap is painful, it may be too tight. If there are signs that circulation is being altered because of the wrap, remove the wrap immediately and re-wrap more loosely.