Manual Lymph Drainage Combined With Compression Therapy for Arm Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer Treatment [Internet].

Conclusions Some evidence suggests that treatment involving a combination of compression therapy and manual lymph drainage yields reduced edema volume compared to compression therapy alone if volume is measured directly after the conclusion of manual lymph drainage (limited scientific evidence). There is no evidence to show that this effect is permanent. Further randomized controlled trials of sufficient size should be conducted – where treatment effects could be studied more closely in both the short and long term – before a combination of compression therapy and manual lymph drainage can be recommended. Future studies should give particular consideration to the magnitude of lymphedema since some studies suggest that early treatment for minor lymphedema may have greater effects and permanent results. Furthermore, the costs for combined therapy should be calculated and studied in relation to the potential health benefits for patients.

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