After breast cancer treatment, many patients develop lymphedema. Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissue between cells. As a result of the removal of lymph nodes for breast cancer treatment and damage to the lymphatic system due to radiotherapy applied, lymphedema occurs in the arm, forearm and hand on that side. This causes stiffness in the shoulder, elbow and hand joints, deterioration in joint functions, fatigue, feeling of heaviness and pain, skin tension and It causes a decrease in sensitivity. In the treatment of lymphedema, complex draining physiotherapy and surgery are applied. Complex draining physiotherapy is manual lymph drainage, compression, that is, bandaging, exercise and skin care. In manual lymph drainage, the excess accumulated lymph fluid flows to other parts of the body with a special massage performed by hand. Massage performed incorrectly can be harmful. Therefore, the physiotherapist must be trained in this regard. Generally, 30 sessions of treatment are sufficient. Bandage is applied after each treatment session, and at the end of the treatment, a special compression garment of size and pressure is given to each patient. In addition, a personalized exercise program should be created by a specially trained physiotherapist for lymphedema patients, so that incorrectly performed exercises can even be harmful. Skin care is also an important part of lymphedema treatment and great importance should be given to the education of patients on this subject.
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