[Efficiency of rehabilitation methods in the treatment of arm lymphedema after breast cancer surgery]

Medicina (Kaunas). 2002;38(10):1003-8.
[Article in Lithuanian]

Abstract

In this article we analyze influence of rehabilitation methods in treatment of arm lymphedema. In Kaunas oncological hospital were examined 60 women after surgery for breast cancer. The work objective was to evaluate efficiency of rehabilitation methods in treatment of arm lymphedema and in evaluate movement amplitude of shoulder joint. Two groups of women depending on rehabilitation start were evaluated. The same methods of rehabilitation were applied to both groups: physical therapy, electrostimulation, massage, lymphodrainage with apparate. Our study indicated that women, who were treated at early period of rehabilitation (3 months), showed statistically significantly (p < 0.01) better results in increase of movement amplitude of shoulder joint. However, results of treatment of arm lymphedema, comparing with women who started rehabilitation after 12 months, were equally successful--results were not statistically significantly better (p > 0.05).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Arm*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision
  • Lymphedema / etiology
  • Lymphedema / rehabilitation*
  • Mastectomy / adverse effects*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Time Factors