Therapistsʼ Perspectives and Interventions in the Management of Axillary Web Syndrome: An Exploratory Study

Black, Jill D.; Green, Devan; McKenna, Caitlin; Squadrito, James F.; Taylor, Stephanie L.; Palombaro, Kerstin M.

doi:10.1097/01893697-201432040-00004

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Therapy must be interrupted for up to 2 weeks after the end of the radiotherapy cycle and spared from the region in which secondary neoplasia is diagnosed. The physiotherapist cannot cause pain by manipulating the axillary region, because a pain-free approach is strongly recommended; moreover, an aggressive approach can cause an inflammation [ 20 ].…”

Section: Physical Therapy: What Is the Best Approach?mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The first technique consists of the manipulation of connective tissue, lasting approximately two-thirds of the session, paying attention not to concentrate it on a single point for a prolonged time to avoid complications such as lymphedema and hyperemia. The cord is then mobilized and placed in “stretch” [ 19 , 20 , 22 ]. Sometimes, a therapist stabilizes the patient’s dorsal region while another performs traction in neutral rotation flexion of the upper limb: this technique is effective for those who have one or more cords with distal or thoracic extension.…”

Section: Physical Therapy: What Is the Best Approach?mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Web Axillary Pain Syndrome—Literature Evidence and Novel Rehabilitative Suggestions: A Narrative Review

Agostini

Attanasi²,

Bernetti

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is defined as a visible and palpable network of cords in the skin of the axillary cavity that are tensed by shoulder abduction following surgery for breast cancer, causing significant functional limits of the ipsilateral upper limb (UL) and pain. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss rehabilitation approaches for greater efficacy with respect to pain and novel suggestions. AWS is a frequent complication of axillary lymphadenectomy that necessitates a thorough follow-up in the medium to long term. Physiotherapy is effective in the treatment of functional limb deficits, the management of pain, and the treatment of upper limb disability. The best management approach involves the use of soft tissue techniques to slow the natural course of the syndrome, in association with therapeutic exercises for functional recovery and muscle strengthening. AWS is linked secondary lymphedema, requiring integration with manual lymphatic drainage. The physiotherapy management of AWS is currently fragmented, and insufficient information is available on the nature of the disease. Thus, randomized and controlled studies that compare rehabilitation approaches in AWS are desirable, including the possibility of using mesotherapy in the treatment of axillary and upper limb pain.

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Section: Physical Therapy: What Is the Best Approach?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Physical Therapy: What Is the Best Approach?mentioning

confidence: 99%