Background: The compression therapy, which is the standard treatment for lymphedema patients, may be difficult to implement and contraindicated to some patients depending on their health condition. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether kinesiology taping (KT) can be used effectively and safely in the management of lymphedema as an alternative treatment through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: In February 2023, the literature was systematically collected through eight search engines with a combination of terms, ‘lymphedema’ and ‘kinesiology taping.’ We qualitatively analyzed the differences and safety of KT methods, and quantitatively meta-analyzed the effects of volume reduction in edema, range of motion (ROM), and pain improvement using Review Manager ver. 5. 4. To assess the risk of bias in the randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies, Risk of Bias was used. Results: A total of 616 articles searched and 20 studies were selected, including 12 RCTs and eight case studies. KT intervention could not replace multilayer compression bandage (MLB), but it demonstrated similar or better results compared to compression garment (CG), with reduced pain and improved intervention comfort. Studies reported skin adverse events ranging from 2.5% to 20.68%, with a total adverse event incidence of 7.7%. There was no significant difference in the application method of KT. As a result of the meta-analysis from the 8 RCTs, the KT intervention showed a mean difference (MD) of –7.18 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [–12.64 to –1.72] in the volume change of lymphedema, while the pain difference was MD 0.82 with CI 95% [0.50 to 1.15], in comparison to the MLB and CG intervention. Conclusion: KT therapy led to a reduction in edema size, volume, pain, and improved ROM and quality of life. KT may be a viable option for lymphedema patients who have trouble applying traditional compression therapies.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether aromatherapy massages with manual lymph drainage (MLD) are significantly more effective than sham massages with MLD in reducing edematous limb volume in lymphedema. This study was performed on 46 patients who had developed unilateral upper or lower lymphedema. Twenty-three patients served as the experimental group and were treated with complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) applications including aroma massages with MLD, multi layered compression bandages, remedial exercises and skin care. Twenty-three patients in the control group were treated with CDP applications including sham massages with MLD, bandages, exercises and skin care. Patients undergo a therapy program once a day; 5 days a week for 2 weeks. Percentage excess volume (PEV) and body mass index (BMI) were recorded before and after treatment. PEV and BMI were significantly decreased before and after treatment in the experimental as well as in the control groups (p<.05). However, the percentage excess volume and BMI were not significantly improved after treatment between the two groups (p>.05). This study there suggests that aroma massages is not effective in the edema of patients with lymphedema.

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) between breast cancer patients with lymphedema and without using the SF-36 (Korean version). Fifty-three consecutive, unselected patients who underwent treatment for breast cancer patients with lymphedema and 37 patients without lymphedema from August 4, 2004 to October 13, 2005 were interviewed and asked to complete the SF-36. These data were used to test the hypothesis that breast cancer patients with lymphedema experience impaired quality of life relative to their control group. The lymphedema group scored poorer than the control group on six of the eight subscales as well as the physical component summary scale of the SF-36 (p<.05). Only bodily pain didn't show statistical difference (p>.05). Breast cancer patients with lymphedema appear to experience problems in multiple quality of life domains compared with without lymphedema group. These findings demonstrate the need for interventions to improve the quality of life in breast cancer patients with lymphedema.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects On the lymphedema patients of sponge padding and the correlation between the rate of edema reduction and downward shifting of bandages. Fifty secondary lymphedema patients with no infection, active cancer, limitation of movement, pain or drugs were randomly assigned to two groups: a sponge padding group, and a cotton padding group. Complex decongestive therapy was applied for 2 weeks. In each group the volume of the ankle, mid-calf, knee, and mid-thigh and downward shifting of bandages at the thigh was measured with measuring tape. The reduction of volume and downward shifting of bandages were analyzed by the unrelated t-test and the Pearson Correlation Test. The results were as follows: 1. In comparison between the sponge padding group and the cotton padding group, there was no significant difference in volume except in the thigh area. The edema volume was reduced significantly to at the thigh with sponge padding after treatment (p<.05). 2. Bandage shifted 10.12 cm with cotton padding, but only shifted 2.85 cm when sponge padding was used. Sponge padding had an excellent effect in preventing the shifting of bandages. There was a significant difference in the amount of shifting that occurred with each type of padding (p<.05). 3. There was also a strong correlation between the reduction of edema and the shifting of bandage. These results suggest that short-stretch bandaging with sponge padding is more effective than bandaging with cotton padding. Further study on skin irritation and the comfort of sponge padding is needed to use padding materials safely and effectively.

Lymphedema, regardless of etiology, is essentially incurable but different treatment approaches which serve to contain swelling exist. The objectives of treatment are to reduce swelling, restore shape, educate about the self-maintenance methods, and prevent inflammatory episodes, eg, recurrent cellulitis. The purpose of this report is to provide therapists and other medical staff with a general guideline through the example treatment procedure of two patients with lymphedema admitted to Samsung Medical Center. This study demonstrates the effects of the various treatments used and how they helped to achieve improvement in mobility and reduction in swelling of the lower limbs. The basic conservative treatments were sequential intermittent pneumatic pumps, elevation, and CDP (complex decongestive physiotherapy). The surgical procedures (Homan's operation) were carried out after maximal volume reduction through conservative programs. In these cases, we can see greater than 50% reduction in the lymphedema in those treated by conservative and surgical procedures. This presents a simple, reliable, variable method yielding satisfactory cosmetic and functional results for patients suffering from chronic both-leg lymphedema. Futhermore, I suggest that the outcomes are best when treatment is administered by a multidisciplinary team including a physiotherapist, surgeon, nurse, et al.

The purpose of this article was to provide basic knowledge and treatment principles of patient with lymphedema, which was usually not treated at all, or the treatment given didn't work efficiently. Lmphedema is defined as an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid, edema, and chronic inflammation within an extremity. Lmphedema may be classified as either primary results from defects with aplasia, hypoplasia, and hyperplasia in the lymphatic system at birth or secondary is caused by known precipitating factors such as cancer, infection, inflammation, radiation, surgery, or trauma etc. There are essentially several conservative treatment methods which has been utilized successfully to treat lymphedema in Samsung Medical Center. We used following procedures: CPT (Complex Physical therapy) or CDP (Complex Decongesitive Physical therapy) such as skin care, MLD (Manual Lymph Drainage), compression with short-stretch bandage, exercise, elevation, elastic stocking, and pneumatic compression. Our experiences shows that conservative treatments can significantly reduce lymphedema and prevent different complications.