Complex physical therapy for the lymphoedematous arm.
Complex physical therapy was used in 78 patients with post-mastectomy lymphoedema (17 with grade 1 and 61 with grade 2). This involves: skin hygiene, a special lymphatic massage, compression bandaging and garments, and special exercises which supplement the massage. Two courses of treatment were given, lasting four weeks each, with a year between them. There was a highly significant decrease in the oedema in both grades, with more than 50% removed in the first course of treatment and 50% of the remainder in the second. There was even a small, but very significant decrease during the interval between the two courses.
Morgan
R G
RG
Department of Surgery, Flinder's Medical Centre, Bedford, Australia.
Casley-Smith
J R
JR
Mason
M R
MR
Casley-Smith
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008405:Massage; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013997:Time Factors