Overview
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of cohesive bandage on the axillary web syndrome in improving pain, reducing swelling and increasing mobility and functionality of the shoulder. Design: randomized single-blinded controlled trial. Follow-up: five physical therapy assessments: pre-intervention; post-intervention, 3 and 6 months post-intervention post-intervention. Participants: 90 consecutive women diagnosed with axillary web syndrome after undergoing unilateral breast cancer surgery with ALND or SLND at the Prıíncipe de Asturias Hospital in Alcalà de Henares, Madrid (Spain). Randomization: women will be randomly assigned to two groups by EpiData 3.1 software. Interventions: Control group: Physical Therapy composed of manual lymph-drainage technique in axilla, and proximal ipsilateral arm, specific thumb manual lymph-drainage on the taut cords to make them gradually more flexible, in conjunction with progressive active arm therapeutic exercises; Intervention group: progressive active arm therapeutic exercises with cohesive bandage.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Unilateral breast cancer;
- Breast surgery with lymphadenectomy and / or sentinel lymph node biopsy;
- Axillary web syndrome in upper limb of the operated side;
- Consent to participate in the study;
- No contraindications.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Cognitive impairment;
- Visual impairment for reading;
- Lymphedema;
- Bilateral breast cancer;
- Systemic disease (metastases),
- Infection;
- Locoregional recurrence.