Effectiveness of physiotherapeutic treatment of the upper limb lymphedema after a mastectomy procedure
Journal Title: Rehabilitacja Medyczna - Year 2014, Vol 18, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction: Lymphoedema (congestive insufficiency of the lymphatic system) is one of the complications occurring after mastectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of comprehensive physical therapy. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Rehabilitation and Psychotherapy at Medical University of Lublin with a group of 40 women aged 39 to 76 years (mean age 59.3 years) who developed lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer. The two-week physical therapy involved a whirlpool bath, rhythmic pneumatic massage, massage using an Aquavibron massager, Vodder’s manual lymphatic drainage, local cryotherapy, and collective physical exercises of the upper limbs. The aim of the study was to assess changes in lymphoedema size and consistency, pain intensity, movement range in upper limb joints, and other symptoms accompanying lymphoedema. Results: Mean pain intensity on the VAS scale was 3.9±1.9 prior to the therapy and 2.7±1.7 after it. Mean girth value measured at nine different locations on the lymphoedemic limb decreased by 0.9 cm (3.5%). Mean improvement in movement range amounted to 5.1º (9%) in the shoulder joint, 5.2º (3.9%) in the elbow joint, and 3.6º (12%) in the wrist joint. Conclusions: The therapy had a beneficial effect on the size and consistency of upper limb lymphoedema. Furthermore, an improvement in movement range and a reduction of pain intensity in the upper limb joint were observed.
Authors and Affiliations
Kamil Zaworski, Robert Latosiewicz, Piotr Majcher
Keywords
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