Effectiveness of combined methods of physiotherapy for post-mastectomy lymphoedema.
In an attempt to reduce the oedema developing after mastectomy in 39 breast cancer patients, a number of physiotherapy techniques were applied in various combinations over 6 months. The techniques included massage, isometric exercises and an elastic sleeve. In the first week of the daily treatment a decrease of 11-13% in the volume of oedema was recorded, but in the next 3 weeks the benefit achieved declined sharply. To maintain the reduction in volume of the swollen arm, an elastic sleeve was applied. During the 4 weeks that the sleeve was worn there was no significant increase in volume. There was a correlation between an objective reduction in the volume of the arm and the patient's rating of the improvement.
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000628:therapy*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*