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Manual Lymphatic Drainage With Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in Post Radical Mastectomy
Sponsor: University of Lahore
Summary
Lymphedema is a persistent and chronic swelling condition that commonly develops after breast cancer surgeries involving axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). This condition causes pain, heaviness, and swelling in the upper limb, which severely limits shoulder mobility and functional performance in daily life tasks. While manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is widely utilized to stimulate lymphatic flow and reduce tissue swelling, the added therapeutic benefit of combining it with deep breathing exercises remains less evaluated. This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate whether combining diaphragmatic breathing exercises with manual lymphatic drainage is more effective than manual lymphatic drainage alone. The main goals of this study are to determine if this combined intervention provides greater reductions in arm circumference and subjective pain levels while significantly improving upper extremity range of motion and overall functional ability in female patients recovering from a radical mastectomy.
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
58
Start Date
2026-04-10
Completion Date
2026-10-10
Last Updated
2026-06-30
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
A specialized manual therapy technique involving gentle, slow, rhythmic skin-stretching strokes directed toward functioning, unaffected proximal lymph nodes to stimulate lymphatic flow and reduce upper extremity swelling. Administered for 25 to 30 minutes per session, 3 times a week for 4 weeks.
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
Structured deep breathing exercises performed in a comfortable, semi-reclined position. Participants practice controlled inhalation through the nose for 4 seconds (allowing the abdomen to expand) followed by a controlled exhalation phase and a 4-second pause before the next breath cycle. Administered for 2 minutes immediately following Manual Lymphatic Drainage, 3 times a week for a total duration of 4 weeks.
Locations (1)
Femwell Physiotherapy Clinic
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan