Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty Of Physical Therapy - Department Of Physical Therapy For Surgery

Purpose : this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) alone and in combination with pressure garment on postmastectomy lymphedema and painMethods : forty - five patients with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) , with or without radiotherapy had been participated in this studyThese patients were randomly divided into three groups of equal numbersGroup A and B was received laser therapyFor group A pressure garment was wore and it provided pressure of (40 to 60mmHg) , while no pressure garment for group B and an traditional physical therapy was conducted for both groupsGroup C ; received placebo laser therapy in addition to traditional therapyThe measurement of limb volume and serum cortisol level (SCL) was collected before treatment (Pre) , immediately after 45 days (Post 1) , and After three months surgery (Post 2) Results : The results of patients demographic data of age , duration of lymphedema , clinical characteristics , limb volume and SCl at entry of the study revealed no significant differences (P005) , while the mean values of limb volume and SCl at 45 days (Post 1) and post 3 months showed significant differences between groups of the study with greater percentage of improvement for patients in group AConclusion : a combination of laser therapy with pressure garment had significant effect on edema reduction and SCL than laser therapy aloneFor this a program of laser therapy and pressure garment with additional use of decongestive physical therapy for patients with lymphedema help to reduce limb volume and pain

Issued also as CD