Try intensive physical therapy to reduce arm swelling and improve sleep

Back to Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema trials

What is this trial?

This trial investigates whether complex decongestive physiotherapy—a specialized physical therapy program combining massage, compression, and exercises—can help women with arm swelling (lymphedema) that developed after breast cancer surgery. The study will measure whether this treatment improves sleep quality and overall quality of life. Researchers hope to show that this therapy can reduce the chronic swelling, pain, and heaviness that many breast cancer survivors experience.

Arm swelling (lymphedema) affects many women after breast cancer surgery and can cause chronic pain, heaviness, and sleep problems that significantly impact daily life. This study exists to test whether this specialized physical therapy approach can effectively reduce swelling and help women sleep better and feel better overall.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 85 years old
you developed one-sided arm swelling in the upper arm or hand after breast cancer surgery
your arm swelling has been diagnosed by a doctor as stage 2 lymphedema
you have a measurable difference of more than 2 centimeters in circumference between your two arms
you are willing to give written consent to participate in the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you are currently taking sleep medications or antidepressants
you have an active infection in the swollen arm
you have swelling in both arms, or swelling caused by other conditions like heart or kidney problems
you have a blood clot, poor circulation, or serious mental health conditions that would prevent you from participating
you cannot communicate or follow instructions for the therapy sessions

What participation looks like

You would receive specialized physical therapy sessions that include manual lymphatic drainage massage, compression bandaging or garments, and guided exercises designed to reduce arm swelling. The study will measure your arm size, ask you about your sleep quality and daily activities before treatment begins, again during the program, and after it ends. While the exact number and frequency of sessions isn't specified here, you should expect regular appointments at the university's Women's Health and Lymphedema Unit in Turkey over the course of the study.

Physical therapy for arm swelling after breast cancer surgery

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)