Effects of compression bandaging with or without manual lymph drainage treatment in patients with postoperative arm lymphedema

We examined the effects of low stretch compression bandaging (CB) alone or in combination with manual lymph drainage (MLD) in 38 female patients with arm lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer. After CB therapy for 2 we eks (Part I), the patients were allocated to either CB or CB+MLD for I week (Part II). Arm volume and subjective assessments of pain, heaviness and te nsion were measured. The mean lymphedema volume reduction for the total gro up during Part I was 188 ml (p<0.001), a mean reduction of 26% (p<0.001). D uring Part II the volume reduction in the CB+MLD group was 47 ml (p<0.001) and in CB group 20 ml. These differences were not significant (p=0.07). A p ercentage reduction of 11% (p<0.001) in the CB+MLD group and 4% in the CB g roup was significantly different (p=0.04). In both the CB and the CB+MLD gr oup, a decrease of feeling of heaviness (p<0.006 and p<0.001, respectively) and tension (p<0.001 for both) in the arm was found, but only the CB+MLD g roup showed decreased pain (p<0.03). Low stretch compression bandaging is an effective treatment giving volume r eduction of slight or moderate arm lymphedema in women treated for breast c ancer. Manual lymph drainage adds a positive effect.