Helium Neon laser therapy for post mastectomy lymphedema and shoulder mobility

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of Helium Neon (He–Ne) laser therapy on post mastectomy lymphedema and shoulder mobility. Thirty female patients with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), with or without radiotherapy had been participated in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of equal numbers. Group A received He–Ne laser therapy and decongestive lymphatic therapy. Group B received placebo laser therapy in addition to decongestive lymphatic therapy. Measurements of limb volume and shoulder mobility (by tape measurement and standard goniometer) were collected before treatment and after six months of treatment. The mean values of limb volume and Shoulder mobility after 6 months of treatment showed a significant improvement (p< 0.05) for the two groups of the study with a greater improvement for patients in group A. Conclusion: Helium Neon laser therapy has a positive effect in reducing post mastectomy lymphedema and increasing range of motion of shoulder joint.

Keywords: Helium Neon laser; Lymphedema; Mastectomy; Shoulder mobility

The Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics (2013) 14, 195–199