EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINED METHODS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR POST-MASTECTOMY LYMPHOEDEMA

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 12  (2) , 77-85
Abstract
To reduce the edema developing after mastectomy in 39 breast cancer patients, a number of physiotherapy techniques were applied in various combinations over 6 mo. The techniques included massage, isometric exercises and an elastic sleeve. In the 1st wk of the daily treatment a decrease of 11-13% in the volume of edema was recorded; in the next 3 wk the benefit achieved declined sharply. To maintain the reduction in volume of the swollen arm, an elastic sleeve was applied. During the 4 wk 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.

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