The randomized controlled study of low-level laser therapy, kinesio-taping and manual lymphatic drainage in patients with stage II breast cancer related lymphedema

Abstract Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of low level laser therapy, kinesio-taping and manual lymphatic drainage on the affected arm volume, quality of life, arm function, neuropathic pain and shoulder mobility in patients with stage II breast cancer related lymphedema. Materials and Methods: Forty-five breast cancer patients with stage II lymphedema were included in the study. The randomized patients in three groups were treated with manual lymphatic drainage, kinesio-taping and low-level laser therapy. After these different therapeutic modalities, all patients have received the application of multilayer compression bandage, lymphedema remedial exercises, skin care, and patient education program by the same lymphedema therapist. All treatments were applied 5 days a week for three weeks. The lymphedema compression garments has been prescribed to all patients and follow-up visits have been planned at the end of the treatment, 4thand 12th weeks. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by volumetric calculations of circumferential measurements using truncated cone formula, in addition to goniometric assessments for shoulder joint range of motion, and questionnaires of quick-DASH for arm disability, pain-detect for neuropathic pain, and quality of life for arm lymphedema (LYMQOL-Arm). Results: The baseline patient and disease characteristics, and outcome measures were similar between groups. All treatment modalities were found to be effective on decreased arm volume, quality of life, upper extremity disability and neuropathic pain. The percentage of decreased arm volume or treatment success was better in kinesio-taping group than MLD group at the end of the treatment, 4th and 12th weeks after treatment (p=0.009, p=0.039, and p=0.042, respectively). Conclusions: We found that kinesio-taping led to better results than manual lymphatic drainage and similarly effective with low-level laser in stage II breast cancer related lymphedema at 12th weeks follow-up. Kinesio-taping and low-level laser should be considered as alternative treatments in early-moderate stage of lymphedema. Following these modalities, multi-layer compression and compression bandaging are cornerstone of lymphedema treatment.