Physical Therapy may Promote Resolution of Lymphatic Coding in Breast Cancer Survivors

Considering wider myofascial involvement as a possible contributor to upper extremity dysfunction following treatment for primary breast cancer

“…The presence of impaired shoulder ROM shows a lot of variability, ranging from an incidence of 1.5% to as high as 50% (Rietman et al, 2002;Box et al, 2002;Karki et al, 2005;Wyrick et al, 2006). A significant relationship is reported between oedema and restricted range of motion, and impaired activities of daily living and influencing quality of life.…”

“…For decades, reduced shoulder range of movement (ROM) and functional impairment have been recognized as a problem after breast cancer surgery and treatment (Lash and Silliman, 2000;Box et al, 2002;Ghazinouri et al, 2005;Karki et al, 2005;Lauridsen et al, 2005;Wyrick et al, 2006). The presence of impaired shoulder ROM shows a lot of variability, ranging from an incidence of 1.5% to as high as 50% (Rietman et al, 2002;Box et al, 2002;Karki et al, 2005;Wyrick et al, 2006).…”

El vendaje cohesivo en el tratamiento de la trombosis linfática superficial en mujeres intervenidas de cáncer de mama. Serie de casos

“…En algunos casos excepcionales, la sintomatología se mantiene más allá de los tres meses (64,66,67,85). Algunas publicaciones sugieren que la fisioterapia podría reducir su curso natural por debajo de las 6-8 semanas (52,70,86,87).…”

Dynamic Angular Petrissage as Treatment for Axillary Web Syndrome Occurring after Surgery for Breast Cancer: a Case Report

“…Manual therapies including myofascial release, scar massage, and lymphatic drainage techniques, as well as physical therapy, thermal therapy, surgery, and oral agents (anti-inflammatories and antibiotics (26) ) have been reviewed in detail by Yeung et al (8) Manual methods and physical therapy usually involve conservative treatment in several sessions over weeks or even months, with varying degrees of success in symptom reduction and cord resolution. (8,15,(18)(19)(23)(24)(25)27) Manual axial distraction with firm digital pressure applied at various points to rupture the cord (usually at the first session) successfully relieved pain and movement limitations in a series of patients, (12) but, as with most prospective studies and case reports, any negative consequences for healing and particularly for risk of lymphedema were not investigated. (8) This retrospective case report describes the use of specific therapeutic massage techniques, including Swedish massage with passive ROM, to relieve signs and symptoms of AWS over two treatment sessions in a young woman who had recently undergone mastectomy and axillary surgery for breast cancer.…”

“…(5,8,11,19,(23)(24)(25)(26) No standard of care has been established for the prevention or treatment of AWS. Manual therapies including myofascial release, scar massage, and lymphatic drainage techniques, as well as physical therapy, thermal therapy, surgery, and oral agents (anti-inflammatories and antibiotics (26) ) have been reviewed in detail by Yeung et al (8) Manual methods and physical therapy usually involve conservative treatment in several sessions over weeks or even months, with varying degrees of success in symptom reduction and cord resolution.…”