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. Helium Neon laser therapy has a positive effect in reducing post mastectomy lymphedema and increasing range of motion of shoulder joint