Extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus intermittent pneumatic compression therapy in post-mastectomy lymphedema

Authors

  • Z. Mowafy Emam Mowafy Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
  • Khadra M. Ali Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
  • Khaled M. Hassan Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Egypt.
  • Hend R. Saleh Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Deraya University, Egypt.

Keywords:

Lymphedema, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression, Extracorporeal Shockwaves, Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and intermittent pneumatic compression in the treatment of forty-five post-mastectomy female patients.

Methods: The study included 45 women with breast cancer (35-65 years old), recruited from Minia Oncology Center and assessed immediately after mastectomy following successful primary therapy (radiation and chemotherapy). Participants were randomly assigned to three equal groups of 15. Group A received shock wave therapy combined with complex decongestive physical therapy, Group B received intermittent pneumatic compression therapy combined with complex decongestive physical therapy, and Group C received complex decongestive physical therapy alone, including bandaging, compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and self-care.

Findings: It was found that the application of shock wave therapy and pneumatic compression therapy, each with complex decongestive therapy, was effective in decreasing the arm segment volume (ASV) in post-mastectomy upper limb lymphedema, as evidenced by a highly significant decrease in the ASV. However, the pneumatic compression therapy with complex decongestive therapy was found to be more beneficial than the shock wave therapy.

Conclusions: Shock wave therapy and pneumatic compression therapy, each combined with complex decongestive therapy, were effective in decreasing the arm segment volume (ASV) in post-mastectomy upper limb lymphedema, as evidenced by a highly significant reduction in ASV.

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Published

2022-05-08

How to Cite

Emam Mowafy, Z. M., Ali, K. M., Hassan, K. M., & Saleh, H. R. (2022). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus intermittent pneumatic compression therapy in post-mastectomy lymphedema. Atena Journal of Public Health, 4, 3. Retrieved from https://atenajournals.com/index.php/ajph/article/view/60

Issue

Vol. 4 (2022)

Section

Articles

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