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  • Title: The comparison of two different physiotherapy methods in treatment of lymphedema after breast surgery.
    Author: Didem K, Ufuk YS, Serdar S, Zümre A.
    Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat; 2005 Sep; 93(1):49-54. PubMed ID: 16184458.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare two different physiotherapy methods in the treatment of lymphedema after breast surgery. METHODS: This study was performed on 53 patients who had developed unilateral lymphedema after the breast cancer treatment. Twenty-seven patients served as the experimental group and were treated with complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) applications including lymph drainage, multi layer compression bandage, elevation, remedial exercises and skin care. Twenty-six patients in the control group were treated with standard physiotherapy (SP) applications including bandage, elevation, head-neck and shoulder exercises and skin care. Both groups were recommended a home program consisting of compression bandage exercises, skin care and walking. Patients were taken to a therapy program once a day; 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The range of motion, circumferential measurement, and volumetric measurement were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: The overall improving in the CDP group was shown to be greater than the SP group but when the evaluation results of both groups were compared before and after treatment, a significant statistical difference in edema according to circumferential and volumetric measurements results was found in favor of the CDP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the patients with upper extremity lymphedema, the shoulder mobility can be increased and edema can be decreased by the use of complex physiotherapy programs.
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