LYMPHEDEMA-MANAGEMENT (COMPRESSION & EXERCISE)

SUMMARY

ELEVATION

1. Elevation of the affected limb: reduces exudation by reducing hydrostatic pressure gradient.

COMPRESSION
2. Compression therapy: by sequential graded pumps for 2-6 hours/day followed by placement of a compression garment to prevent reaccumulation of fluid. This must be done daily for life.
3. Graded pumps should proceed after manual lymph drainage has been performed.
4. Compression therapy can exacerbate cardiac failure.
5. Pumping should be discontinued if edema increases above the pump's sleeve.
6. Contraindicated in cardiac failure, infection & bilateral mastectomy.

FOLLOWING MASTECTOMY
7. Hand pumping, hand and elbow ROM exercises, positioning techniques, postural exercises, shoulder ROM exercises to 40° of flexion & abduction.
8. Active assistive exercises can be initiated when the surgical drains have been removed.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.