Buragadda, S., Alhusaini, A.A., Melam, G.R., & Arora, N. (2015). Effect of complete decongestive therapy and a home program for patients with post mastectomy lymphedema. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27, 2743–2748.
To compare lymphedema-related outcomes between women receiving complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and a home program versus those receiving manual drainage and compression garments
Patients were divided into two groups. One group received manual drainage, compression garments, glenohumeral mobilization, and deep breathing exercises. The other received CDT including manual drainage, compression garments, and a home self-massage and exercise program. Participants received initial training for the home program to be completed daily. Both groups received treatment from a therapist five days per week for six weeks. Study assessments were done a baseline, week 4, and week 6.
Pre- and post-test design
Subjects in both groups had significant reductions in arm volume, pain, and DASH scores.
Both CDT with a home program of manual drainage and exercise and standard manual lymphatic drainage with compression garments resulted in significant improvements in arm volume, associated pain, and disability scores.
Both the combination of manual lymphatic drainage with compression garment use and CDT with a daily home program were associated with significant improvements in lymphedema symptoms.