Treating Lymphedema: Patient Case Studies
These case studies have been provided by Australian therapists who use the Riancorp LTU-904 laser therapy unit to treat lymphedema. Each therapist selects laser treatment areas based on the case, the patient and other constraints. We have provided these to give examples of how Australian therapists are using the LTU-904.
They are provided to offer information only and are not necessarily recommended treatment protocols.
First Case - Bi-lateral Mastectomy – 2001 aged 76 years.
Malignancy both breasts – Axillary clearance Right side 20 nodes Left side 2 nodes.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy to right side only. Postoperative cellulites to right chest wall. Refused to wear arm sleeve.
Presented with very mild oedema both arms and red raised scarring to both sides and very large pockets under each arm and enlarged abdomen.
Laser treatment to scar tissue and both axillas ( 4- 6 places 1 minute each place) and treatment (1 minute per place) to any other tight area.
The above laser treatment was followed by MLD for lymphoedema.
Laser treatment to all areas of fi brosis, the right axilla and the area of irradiation followed by MLD for lymphoedema.
Second Case
1988 – (58 years) Lumpectory to right breast with complete axillary clearance and radiotherapy to right side. No swelling in right arm.
2000 – Radiotherapy only to stermun and left side of chest due to malignant lesions in this area. No surgery has been performed on the right side. 2005 – Had a fall which led to oedema in left breast, left arm and abdomen.
No prior treatment has ever been recommended for any of her presenting symptoms.
2008 – (78 years) Commenced treatment. The client presented with lymphoedema in left breast, abdomen and left arm with fibrosis in both medial and lateral aspect of upper arm, elbow area and posterior and anterior aspects of lower arm especially at wrist and along radial catchment. There is also fibrosis on the medial and inferior aspects of the left breast. The fibrosis in the right breast is extremely hard and no movement in the breast tissue.
