A randomized clinical trial comparing advanced pneumatic truncal, chest, and arm treatment to arm treatment only in self-care of arm lymphedema.

Treatment of the truncal lymphatics prior to treatment of the lymphedematous arm is an accepted, although not empirically tested, therapeutic intervention delivered during decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). Breast cancer survivors with arm lymphedema are encouraged to use these techniques when performing simple lymphatic drainage as part of their life-long lymphedema self-care. Self-massage is at times difficult and pneumatic compression devices are used by many patients to assist with self-care.

Advanced pneumatic therapy in self-care of chronic lymphedema of the trunk.

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary, post-market, home study of the Flexitouch(®) system to examine the potential efficacy of the device as a component of self-care in breast cancer survivors with truncal lymphedema.

Methods And Results: A quasi-experimental, pre-treatment, post-treatment design was used. Twelve participants received a total of ten self-administered, consecutive, one hour per day treatments.