Once you have been diagnosed with lymphoedema (also known as lymphedema), you will soon learn that compression therapy plays a vital role in long-term management of this chronic condition, and one of the most common questions I hear in my clinic is:
“What’s the difference between circular knit and flat knit lymphoedema compression garments?”
In this blog, I will explain the difference between these two types of lymphoedema compression knit, so that it may help you understand better how your lymphoedema can be managed in the long term.
Why Is Lymphoedema Compression Essential?
As discussed in many more blogs, lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by an impaired lymphatic system, which leads to the accumulation of lymph fluid and persistent swelling in one or more body parts. If not correctly managed, lymphoedema can progress and cause:
- Increased limb size – elephant leg
- Tissue fibrosis (hardening)
- Skin changes – including numbness
- Higher risk of infections – cellulitis is a common one
Compression therapy is a cornerstone of CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy), alongside:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – ideal to boost your lymphatic system drainage capacity
- Skin care is essential to avoid skin cracks and infections
- Exercise and movement – especially if wearing circular knit compression
- Long-term compression –
So in short, lymphedema compression supports lymphatic flow, helps maintain limb volume reduction, and prevents the worsening of lymphoedema.
What Is Circular Knit Lymphoedema Compression?
Circular knit compression refers to the method by which garments or bandages are made. In this case, the knit is made using a continuous circular weaving method, creating a seamless and highly elastic fabric.
Benefits of circular knit compression:
- Lightweight and smooth texture
- Greater elasticity and stretch
- Often available off-the-shelf
- More discreet under clothing
Circular knits are ideal for those lymphoedema patients who can and should move with the limb affected by lymphoedema. Indeed, the circular knits are designed to allow the lymphedema patient to move; therefore, while the limb is compressed, the lymphatic system is simultaneously boosted by compression and movement.
When circular knitting may be suitable:
- Mild lymphoedema
- Early-stage lymphedema
- Limbs with minimal shape distortion
- Well-controlled swelling
However, due to their elasticity, circular knit garments often lack the containment needed for more advanced lymphoedema, especially when fibrosis or limb shape changes are present.
What Is Flat Knit Lymphoedema Compression?
So, even in the case of Flat-knit compression, the name refers to the way the fabric is produced, like flat fabric and stitched together with a seam. This allows for higher stiffness and customised shaping.
Benefits of flat knit compression:
- Firmer, more supportive structure
- Superior containment of swelling
- Custom-made to individual limb measurements
- Better control of irregular limb shapes
Flat knit is usually recommended for:
- Moderate to severe lymphoedema
- Long-standing or progressive lymphedema
- Skin folds or lobes
- Fibrotic tissue
- Swelling that rebounds quickly
- A lymphoedema patient is unable to move much
Therefore, based on the severity and lymphoedema stage, we would suggest using flat knit compression for more severe presentations or for someone who is unable to move the limb(s) affected.
Compression Garments and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, in Fitzroy North, I offer Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as part of lymphoedema management, which is internationally recognised as the most effective approach to lymphoedema treatment.
Here is a list of things that I would offer during a lymphoedema management appointment:
- Comprehensive lymphedema assessment
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Swelling reduction during the intensive phase of CDT
- Preparing limbs for compression garments
- Education on long-term self-management
To simplify the process of lymphoedema management, at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, I do offer a free 15-minute online consultation, where I can answer your questions and go through an initial assessment about your clinical history.
Book a free 15 mins Consultation Now
Compression After CDT
After we manage to reduce the swelling in the limb(s) affected by lymphoedema, via MLD and CDT, which can take 3 to 5 appointments, or more, depending on your presentation, we can then look into getting garment wear that can fit your limb(s), so that the swelling can be managed for a longer time.
While I do not supply compression garments directly, I refer patients to Sigvaris in West Melbourne, specialists in medical compression for lymphoedema, ensuring accurate fitting and high-quality garments.
Circular Knit vs Flat Knit: Which Is Right for You?
The correct compression garment depends on several factors, including:
- Stage and severity of lymphoedema
- Limb shape and tissue texture
- Presence of fibrosis
- Skin health
- Lifestyle and daily activity
This is why coming for an appointment and getting your lymphoedema assessed and treated, where needed, is essential before selecting compression.
Lymphoedema Treatment in Fitzroy North
Living with lymphoedema can be challenging, but with the proper care, education, and treatment plan, it can be effectively managed.
At Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Fitzroy North, I focus on:
- Evidence-based CDT
- Individualised lymphedema management
- Clear guidance around compression therapy
- Collaborative care with trusted garment providers
Therefore, if you are in need of professional lymphoedema treatment in Melbourne or need clarity around compression options, I’m here to support you.
About myself: a Myotherapist specialised in Lymphoedema Management
My name is Giovanni, and I run Melbourne Massage and Treatment, a Myotherapy and Lymphoedema clinic in Fitzroy North. I trained with the Vodder Academy in lymphoedema management, and I provide Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the gold standard for lymphedema treatment. My approach is tailored to each individual patient, to achieve objective results, and to help you enjoy more your life while dealing with Lymphoedema management.
FAQs — Lymphoedema Compression: Circular Knit vs Flat Knit
Why is compression therapy essential for lymphoedema management? As the lymphatic system responds to muscle movement and pressure, compression therapy helps maintain limb volume under control and prevents lymphoedema progression. Indeed, without proper compression, the swelling can worsen and lead to fibrosis, skin changes, and recurrent infections such as cellulitis.
What is the main difference between circular knit and flat knit compression garments? The main difference between circular knit and flat knit compression is based on how the fabric is made and how it behaves on the compressed limb. Circular knit garments are seamless, more elastic, and lighter, while flat knit garments are firmer, less elastic, and custom-made with seams, providing superior containment for more advanced lymphoedema.
Who is circular knit lymphoedema compression best suited for? Circular knit compression is best suited for people with mild or early-stage lymphoedema where the swelling is well controlled, there is a minimal limb shape distortion, and good mobility. Those types of garments or bandages work best when combined with regular movement and exercise.
When is flat knit compression recommended for lymphoedema? On the other hand, flat knit compression is recommended for moderate to severe lymphoedema, long-standing or progressive swelling, fibrotic tissue, skin folds, or irregular limb shapes. It is also preferred when swelling rebounds quickly or when limb movement is limited.
Can circular knit garments manage severe lymphoedema? In most cases, circular knit garments do not provide enough containment for severe or fibrotic lymphoedema. Their higher elasticity may allow swelling to return, making flat knit compression a more effective option for advanced stages.
Do I need Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) before wearing compression garments? No, not always. CDT is essential to reduce swelling before fitting compression garments, but if your swelling is not extreme, no fibrosis, and your garments fit easily, then no, CDT may not be needed. On the other hand, if the limb size is too big, then yes, the combination of MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) and CDT compression are recommended in combination before fitting the garments.
Are lymphoedema compression garments custom-made? Flat knit garments are almost always custom-made based on detailed limb measurements. Circular knit garments may be off-the-shelf or custom-made, depending on limb shape, swelling severity, and clinical needs.
How do I know which compression garment is right for me? The correct garment depends on your lymphoedema stage, limb shape, tissue texture, skin health, and activity level. A professional lymphoedema assessment is essential to determine whether circular knit or flat knit compression is most appropriate.
Giovanni La Rocca
Giovanni moved to Melbourne, Australia, from Italy in 2008 and became a citizen in 2017. He started studying massage therapy in 2016, then completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy in August 2024. During those years, he also specialised in Thai Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage for presentations like Lipoedema and Lymphoedema. Nowadays, he runs his clinic in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, where he integrates movement therapy into his practice to enhance overall well-being. He also values meditation, having completed several Vipassana courses. Committed to continuous learning, he aims to share his expertise in integrated therapies to help others achieve balance and resilience.