Journal
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
Volume 94, Issue 6, Pages 483-498Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000246
Keywords
Lymphedema; Therapy; Review; Compression Bandages
Categories
Funding
- Cancer Council Queensland
- National Health and Medical Research Council
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Lymphedema treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, prevent progression, and reduce risk for skin infection. Mainstream treatment options have been investigated in more than 160 studies. Findings from these studies have been included in at least 1 of more than 20 literature reviews. A critique of these reviews was undertaken to summarize efficacy findings. The quality of the reviews was evaluated, and gaps in the research were identified to better guide clinical practice. Overall, there was wide variation in review methods. The quality of studies included in reviews, in study design and reporting overall, has been poor. Reviews consistently concluded that complex physical therapy is effective at reducing limb volume. Volume reductions were also reported after the use of compression garments, pumps, and manual lymphatic drainage. However, greatest improvements were reported when these treatments formed a combined treatment program. Large, well-designed, evaluated, and reported randomised, controlled trials are needed to evaluate and compare treatments. Consistent outcome measures will allow better quality reviews and meta-analysis in the future.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available