Zanolla R, Monzeglio C, Balzarini A, Martino G.
Evaluation of the results of three different methods of postmastectomy lymphedema
treatment.
J Surg Oncol 1984 Jul;26(3):210-3

The aim of this study was to evaluate the following methods of postmastectomy
lymphedema treatment: pneumatic massage with uniform pressure, pneumatic massage
with differentiated pressure, and manual lymphatic massage. The study concerned
three groups of 20 mastectomized patients with secondary early developed arm
lymphedema. The measurement of circumference on seven points of both arms, the
self-scoring mood questionnaire, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were
evaluated before, at the end, and 3 months after the treatment. We observed a
permanent edema reduction, which was statistically significant, with uniform
pressure pneumatic massage and with manual lymphatic massage, but not with
differentiated pneumatic massage. The VAS and the self-scoring mood questionnaire
made from measuring the subjective ratings of the patients confirmed the
objective evaluations.