How Effective Are Physiotherapy Techniques to Treat Established Secondary Lymphoedema Following Surgery for Cancer? A Critical Analysis of the Literature‪.‬

ABSTRACT This review examines the use and effectiveness of individual and combined physiotherapy techniques to treat established secondary lymphoedema. Secondary upper limb lymphoedema from axillary lymph node dissection is a debilitating potential sequela of surgery for breast cancer. Lymphoedema causes swelling of the affected limb(s) and affects the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of the patient. Physiotherapeutic techniques have been used to treat lymphoedema with some success, but the optimal interventions and regime remain unclear. Evidence supports the use of the Complex Physical Therapy (CPT) approach to treatment, but there is disagreement about the best prescription for treatment and the relative contribution of each technique to limb volume reduction. While ethical considerations regarding withholding of treatment discourage use of randomised controlled trials to evaluate CPT, further research is necessary to investigate the effectiveness of CPT on physical and psychological parameters. McCallin M, Johnston J, Bassett S (2005). How effective are physiotherapy techniques to treat established secondary lymphoedema following surgery for cancer? A critical analysis of the literature. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy 33(3) 101-112.