Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
05:44
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Lymphedema reduction by noninvasive complex lymphedema therapy
M Boris1, S Weindorf, B Lasinski
1Cornell U School of Medicine, New York.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Complex lymphedema therapy (CLT) effectively reduces arm and leg swelling. This noninvasive treatment shows lasting results, with lymphedema reduction maintained and even improved over a year.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Lymphedema is a chronic condition often resulting from surgery or disease.
- Noninvasive complex lymphedema therapy (CLT) is established in Europe and Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of complex lymphedema therapy (CLT) in patients with arm and leg lymphedema.
- To assess the long-term maintenance and potential improvement of lymphedema reduction following CLT.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 38 patients with lymphedema (arm, unilateral leg, bilateral leg).
- Treatment consisted of manual lymph drainage, compressive bandaging, and physical therapy exercises over 1 month.
- Follow-up data were collected for up to 1 year on 30 patients.
Main Results:
- Significant average edema reduction of 73% in arm lymphedema patients.
- Significant average edema reduction of 88% in leg lymphedema patients.
- Maintained and improved lymphedema reduction (80% to 86%) during 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Complex lymphedema therapy (CLT) is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for reducing lymphedema.
- The therapeutic benefits of CLT are sustained long-term and may increase over time.
