Abstract:
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on the acute inflammatory response and arm circumference in women suffering from breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).Methods: Single-arm study (Pretest – Posttest) design. 35 women with unilateral BCRL were received 1 session of 45 minute of MLD. Inflammatory Markers (IL-6, and CRP), and arm circumference were evaluated before and 24 hours after application of MLD.
Results: The statistical analysis by The Wilcoxon signed ranks test found that there was a significant (P = 0.02; P < 0.05) decrease in arm circumference post treatment compared to pre treatment. But, no remarkable differences (P = 0.648 & 0.874; P > 0.05) between post treatment and pre treatment of IL­6 & CRP within study group.
Conclusion: According to prior discussions of these findings and a review of academic research related to the current study, MLD is a straightforward, safe, and effective method for the treatment of BCRL that did not result in a substantial rise in IL6 or CRP as inflammatory mediators.