Review Article
Year: 2020 | Month: February | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 162-165
Physiotherapy Management for Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema (BCRL): an Evidence Based Study
Ruchita K. Dudhagara1, Karishma Jagad2
1F.Y.M.P.T. Student, 2Senior Lecturer,
Department of Physiotherapy, Government Physiotherapy College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
Corresponding Author: Ruchita K. Dudhagara
ABSTRACT
Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women. Lymphedema is a significant health issue for cancer survivors. It affects 21.4%, indicating 1 in every 5 patients following breast cancer treatment. Problems associated with lymphedema includes pain, altered sensation, such as discomfort and heaviness, difficulty with physical mobility, psychological distress, recurrent infections and social isolation. So, lymphedema management in breast cancer survivors is used in the field of rehabilitation to improve patient’s functional abilities. Physiotherapy treatment should include Compression bandage, Active Resistive Exercise with Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Physical Exercise (Aqua lymph training, Swimming, Yoga, Aerobic), Kinesiological Taping (KT).BCRL is chronic (ongoing) condition. Advance Pneumatic compression device (APCD) is used for home maintenance phase. We have reviewed the available literature on Breast cancer related lymphedema to explore the best management strategies.
Key words: Breast cancer related Lymphedema, A systematic review, Physical exercise, Manual lymphatic drainage, Pneumatic compression, Low level laser therapy, Kinesiological Taping