Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and deep-breathing exercises on upper extremity lymphedema in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of deep-breathing and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises on upper limb lymphedema in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The study consisted of 10 patients with lymphedema that had occurred after stroke. Neurodevelopmental treatment was applied in the same manner as that used for the existing treatment. The subjects performed deep-breathing and stretching exercises three times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Body water volume in the upper limbs was measured before and after exercise by using an InBody S10 analyzer. [Results] Performance of deep-breathing and stretching exercises significantly reduced body water volume in both the affected and unaffected arms. The extracellular-to-total cellular fluid volume ratio in the affected arm improved to 0.379 after exercise, although this change was not significant. [Conclusion] The results of the present study show that deep-breathing and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises reduce upper extremity lymphedema in stroke patients.

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation D2 flexion and breathing exercises on lymphedema without a short stretch compression bandage.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) D2 flexion and breathing exercises in a patient with lymphedema (LE). [Subject] This report describes a 57-year-old woman with LE in whom a short-stretch compression bandage (SSCB) could not be used for treatment because of skin itching and redness. [Methods] The patient received complex decongestive therapy without a SSCB. Next, PNF D2 flexion and breathing exercises were conducted three times per week for 14 weeks (36 times). [Results] As a result, the circumference of the armpit was reduced by 0.5 cm; that of 10 cm above the elbow, by 1 cm; that of the elbow, by 0.5 cm; that of 10 cm below the elbow, by 1 cm; and that of the back of the hand, by 0.5 cm. A total of 100 mL (9.4%) of body water was eliminated from the right upper extremity, and moisture ratio was reduced by 0.005%. Finally, range of motion was improved to 20° flexion, 60° abduction, 40° external rotation, and 10° internal rotation. [Conclusion] This study showed that PNF D2 flexion and breathing exercises were effective in reducing LE and improving range of motion.

Complex decongestive physical therapy and low-level laser therapy for the treatment of pediatric congenital lymphedema: a case report.

[Purpose] We report the case of a pediatric patient with congenital lymphedema treated with complex decongestive physical therapy and low-level laser therapy. [Subjects and Methods] The patient was a 2 year-old girl who had lymphedema in the left upper limb since birth. Complex decongestive physical therapy and low-level laser therapy were administered for 7 sessions. [Results] The circumferences of the middle of the forearm, elbow joint, wrist, and hand of the left upper limb decreased 0.5, 3, 0.5, and 2 cm, respectively. The moisture content of the left upper limb decreased 70 mL (6.66%), while moisture ratio increased by 0.007%. [Conclusion] Complex decongestive physical therapy and low-level laser therapy are effective for reducing lymphedema in pediatric patients.

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: a case study.

[Purpose] We report the case of a breast cancer patient with superficial thrombophlebitis treated with low-level laser therapy. [Case] The patient was a 66-year-old women who developed superficial thrombophlebitis in the left upper limb after chemotherapy. She was administered 6 sessions of low-level laser therapy. [Result] Her pain score decreased by 8 points. Her scores on the Patient and Observer scar Assessment Scale decreased by 18 points for the observer portion and by 26 points for the patient portion. [Conclusion] Low-level laser therapy is effective for the reduction of pain and the size of scar tissue in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis.