title: Use of reflexology in managing secondary lymphoedema for patients affected by treatments for breast cancer: A feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this feasibility study was to examine the use of reflexology lymphatic drainage (RLD) in the treatment of breast-cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL) with a view to further research.
  
  
  METHODS
  An uncontrolled trial was conducted with 26 women who had developed lymphoedema in one arm following treatment for breast cancer. Changes in upper-limb volumes and in participant concerns and wellbeing were measured. Qualitative data were also collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant reduction in the volume of the affected arm was identified at follow-up compared to baseline. This reduction in volume appeared to be maintained for more than six months. Participant concerns were significantly reduced and their wellbeing significantly increased. No serious adverse effects were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RLD may be a useful intervention for BCRL although the results could not be attributed to the reflexology intervention because of research design limitations. The main conclusion was, however, that there was sufficient evidence for further research using a randomized controlled trial.
authors.affiliation: Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB, United Kingdom. Electronic address: jwhatley@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whatley
authors.affiliation: Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB, United Kingdom; Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Research & Development, Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rachael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Street
authors.affiliation: Reflexology Lymph Drainage Training and Practitioner, Rogerstone, Newport Gwent NP10 9LG, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kay
authors.affiliation: Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Philip E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008405:Massage; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: Breast cancer; Lymphoedema; Reflexology lymphatic drainage