Effectiveness of combined methods of physiotherapy for post-mastectomy lymphoedema

In an attempt to reduce the oedema developing after mastectomy in 39 breast cancer patients, a number of physiotherapy techniques were applied in various combinations over 6 months. The techniques included massage, isometric exercises and an elastic sleeve. In the first week of the daily treatment a decrease of 11-13% in the volume of oedema was recorded, but in the next 3 weeks the benefit achieved declined sharply. To maintain the reduction in volume of the swollen arm, an elastic sleeve was applied. During the 4 weeks 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.