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.
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Limb Circumference
Timeframe: Baseline and post-intervention at 4 weeks
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire
Timeframe: Baseline and post-intervention at 4 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Timeframe: Baseline and post-intervention at 4 weeks
Shoulder Joint Range of Motion
Timeframe: Baseline and post-intervention at 4 weeks