The effects of complex decongestive therapy on pain and functionality in individuals with breast cancer who developed adhesive capsulitis due to lymphedema: an evaluation by an isokinetic computerized system

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the impact of complex decongestive therapy applications on upper extremity function in breast cancer patients who developed adhesive capsulitis after lymphedema. Methods: Thirty patients who developed adhesive capsulitis due to lymphedema were divided into two groups as study (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. Both groups received 20 minutes of exercise five days a week for three weeks using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, as well as a hot pack and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) treatment to the shoulder joint. The study group received 45 minutes of intensive decongestive therapy along with the adhesive capsulitis treatment. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain, circumference, and volumetric measurements were used to assess edema, and the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Problems Questionnaire (DASH: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) was used to assess upper extremity functionality. The shoulder range of motion was evaluated. Results: Both groups had improvements in pain (P < 0.001), shoulder joint range of motion (P < 0.001), and upper extremity functionality (P < 0.001) after the treatment. There was a significant decrease in circumference and volumetric measurements in the study group (P < 0.001). However, no differences were seen in measurements in the control group. Conclusions: The results showed that complex decongestive therapy was beneficial in reducing lymphedema in breast cancer patients who acquired adhesive capsulitis due to lymphedema. Consequently, the authors believe that supplementing conventional physiotherapy with complex decongestive therapy will benefit patients.

Complete Decongestive Therapy Effect on Breast Cancer Related to Lymphedema: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…All 15 studies show that CDT is either a "control" or an "interventional" group. Identical names for CDT were used in RCTs, such as "decongestive lymphatic therapy" (Dayes et al, 2013), standard therapy (Singh et al, 2019), complex decongestive physiotherapy (Hou et al, 2008),'complex decongestive therapy' (Haghighat et al, 2010;Park et al, 2019;Hemmati et al, 2022;Tatar and Turhan, 2022), comprehensive therapy (Abbasi et al, 2018), and 'routine care' (Sithawatdecha et al, 2019).…”

Management of lymphedema is really a matter in patients with breast cancer

“…Complex decongestive physical therapy, which is primarily used to treat lymphedema, consists of four components: Manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise therapy, and skin care[ 13 , 14 ]. This therapy typically involves 2-6 wk of intensive therapy followed by several months of management[ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…Complex decongestive physical therapy, which is primarily used to treat lymphedema, consists of four components: Manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise therapy, and skin care[ 13 , 14 ]. This therapy typically involves 2-6 wk of intensive therapy followed by several months of management[ 13 , 14 ]. The effects of properly administered complex decongestive physical therapy and appropriate management of lymphedema can last from several months to as long as 2 years or more[ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…This therapy typically involves 2-6 wk of intensive therapy followed by several months of management[ 13 , 14 ]. The effects of properly administered complex decongestive physical therapy and appropriate management of lymphedema can last from several months to as long as 2 years or more[ 13 , 14 ]. In addition, prophylactic administration of this therapy after breast cancer surgery has been reported to reduce the incidence of lymphedema[ 15 ].…”

Data sharing: a direction for securing research transparency

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