General Information, Daily Use and Product Care

Overview

Compression therapy supports and garments are prescribed by a physician as a form of therapy. When measured and engineered correctly, and worn according to directions, these products are highly effective in delivering the desired therapeutic effect.

Only a trained medical professional can determine if and when a compression therapy product is appropriate. Gottfried brand compression therapy supports and garments are often engineered to provide significantly higher compression than is found in common OTC retail products. As a result, they are not available without a prescription and should never be worn without specific medical guidance.

Conditions Treated

Venous Disease and Lymphedema

Conditions for which compression therapy supports and garments are frequently prescribed include: those effecting the Vascular and/or Lymphatic systems. When these conditions are to be treated, the compression therapy support is engineered with Gradient Pressure. Gradient Pressure assists the body's weak or damaged valves with the flow of either blood or lymph, depending on the condition being treated.

(Link) How gradient pressure works

Many factors contribute to conditions effecting the Vascular and Lymphatic systems: heredity, lack of exercise, improper dieting, aging, pregnancy, injury and other diseases. Although they are not a cure, when properly used, the therapeutic benefits of a Gottfried Medical compression therapy product helps manage the symptoms many patients experience.

Hypertrophic Scarring, Burn Contracture and Keloids

Compression therapy is also used for the control of scarring due to burns or surgery. When the injuries are severe, they can interfere with the normal functioning of the skin's ability to repair itself. As a result, scar tissue may grow abnormally. The muscles may also be affected.

These abnormal conditions include: Hypertrophic Scars, Keloids and Contractures resulting from: fire, chemical and electrical burn injuries and post surgical complications. When these conditions are to be treated, the burn therapy support is engineered with Uniform Pressure,

(Link) How uniform pressure works

Burn therapy garments may also utilize Silicone inserts, which assist in scar management and their reduction. When these are prescribed, Gottfried Medical uses its own brand of Silicone bonded fabric: Ensil^®.

Donning and Doffing

Putting on and taking off the garment is perhaps the biggest challenge for patients, or customers, whose physical condition often makes it difficult for them to bend over or to pull and grasp the garment. Following these steps can make the task easier.

(Photo) Knee length with 1" silicone band

Using a knee length stocking as an example:

1. With the support inside out*, fold the foot section back to the heel
2. Grasp each side of the support and pull it over the foot and past the middle of the heel so that the support will not slide back down the foot
3. Reach just past the toes and pull the support upward
4. Never pull on the seams or on the band at the top of the support
5. Stretch the toe of the support out toward the tips of the toes, allowing the material to return to its normal position
6. Pull the support on the rest of the way by grasping two or three inches at a time

*Gottfried Medical garments that do not have Velcro or zippers are normally shipped inside out

Powder, rubber gloves and a Gottfried Medical donning slipper can be used to make donning easier. Once in place, the support should never be allowed to roll over or turn down into a cuff.

Donning Tip - If you have difficulty bending over to reach your foot, try sitting slightly sideways on the edge of a bed or sofa, with your leg bent and resting on the bed.

To remove the garment, roll it carefully down, grasping two or three inches at a time

Care

Wash your garment daily, by hand or machine, since perspiration and body oils can break down the fabric. Washing also rejuvenates the elastic in the garment.  Use lukewarm water and a mild soap, such as Ivory^® or Dreft^®. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Dry it flat or tumble dry using the “air fluff” setting. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Care Tip - Buying a second garment will make one available while the other is being washed.

Learn More about Gottfried Brand Products

• Download our Brochure
• Vascular Supports
• Burn Therapy Garments
• Lymphatic Supports
• Become a Dealer for the Gottfried Brand
• Product and Option List
• Color Selector
• Locate a Gottfried Brand Dealer
• Warranty and Guarantee
• Price List
• Basics of Order Preparation
• Videos - How to Measure and Order

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Important Note to Consumers: Gottfried Medical, Inc., has provided this information in an effort to answer some of the common questions professionals ask about our company and its products and services. If you have any questions regarding this information, or are concerned about your health, we urge you to consult a physician.