The study purpose to evaluate the effectiveness of Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy in managing breast cancer related lymph edema (BRCL) Lymph edema is a common complication after breast cancer surgery and treatment, causing significant functional and quality of life issues. The research focused on whether MFR, combined with Complex Decongestive Physcial Therapy (CDPT), could provide better outcomes compared to traditional Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy in reducing edema, improving range of motion (ROM), decreasing pain, and enhancing quality of life in breast cancer survivors
A total of 57 breast cancer survivors with stage 1-2 lymph edema were recruited and divided into an experimental group (n=29) and a control group (n=28). Interventions were applied twice a week for 5 weeks. Th experimental group received 40 minutes of MFR followed by 20 minutes of upper limb strengthening exercises and compression therapy. The control group received 40 minutes of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) followed by the same strengthening exercises and compression therapy. Assessments were conducted before and after the interventions, measuring upper limb volume, pain (NRS), shoulder range of motion (ROM), chest mobility, shoulder function (DASH), quality of life (EORTC QLQ BR-23), and subjective lymph edema symptom scores.
The study found that both the MFR and CDPT groups showed significant reduction in upper limb volume. However, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding lymphedema volume reduction.
Pain : significantly reduced in the MFR group compared to the MLD group
Shoulder ROM : The MFR group exhibited significant improvements in shoulder ROM (flexion, abduction, internal, and external rotation), whereas the CDPT group showed improvements only in specific ROM directions.(Flexion, external rotation)
Chest Mobility & Quality of Life : significant improvement in the MFR group than in the MLD group
Subjective Lymphedema Questionnaire : There was significant improvement in both the MLD group and the MFR group, but in some items such as Heaviness and Tightness, the MFR showed more significant improvement
The application of MFR in conjunction with CDPT demonstrated positive effects on pain reduction, shoulder ROM, chest mobility, and quality of life in breast cancer patients with lymphedema. Although the volume of lymphedema did not differ significantly between the MFR and CDPT groups, the subjective symptom improvement and better functional outcomes suggest that MFR may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for managing BRCL.
The MFR application method developed by our institute to reduce edema and symptoms in lymphedema patients is also advantageous in this functional aspect, so it can be usefully used as an auxiliary treatment in the management of breast cancer lymphedema patients.
lymphedema
Complexdecongetivephysicaltherapy
