Experiences of breast cancer related lymphoedema and the use of reflexology for managing swelling: A qualitative study

Authors: Whatley Judith, Street Rachael, Kay SallyJournal: Complementary therapies in clinical practicePublished: August 1, 2018DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.06.006

Q2 JournalSJR: 0.65h-index: 72SCImago

Limited EvidenceQualitativen=26 participants

Lymphedema / Post-Surgery Swelling Cancer Pain Management

In Plain Language: reflexology for lymphedema, explained

An estimated 1 in 5 women surviving breast cancer will go on to develop breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL). There is a gap in the literature capturing experiences of people living with BCRL who use complementary therapies. Data were collected from 26 participants via a semi-structured interview. Questioning centred around their personal experiences of living with lymphoedema, and their use of reflexology lymphatic drainage. Four main themes emerged which comprised physical and psycho-social impacts of lymphoedema, experiences of physical change, and the return of optimism. RLD treatment was considered pleasant and non invasive, and the reduction in swelling helped with pain and mobility. The main conclusion from this qualitative evaluation was that participants perceived benefit on physical and psychological levels. Participation in the study appeared to help re-engagement with normal life. Further research is needed to quantify the changes in these parameters.

Key Findings: what this qualitative study found about lymphedema

✓Participants reported perceived benefits of reflexology lymphatic drainage on both physical levels (reduced swelling, pain, and improved mobility) and psychological levels.
✓Reflexology lymphatic drainage was experienced as a pleasant and non-invasive treatment option for managing breast cancer related lymphoedema.
✓Participation in reflexology treatment appeared to facilitate participants' re-engagement with normal life and a return of optimism despite living with lymphoedema.

What This Means for You

While this small qualitative study suggests reflexology may help with swelling, pain, and emotional well-being in breast cancer-related lymphoedema, the evidence is limited and larger controlled studies are needed to confirm whether these benefits are real or due to other factors.

What This Means for Practitioners

Participants appreciated reflexology as a non-invasive, pleasant treatment for lymphoedema with perceived physical and psychological benefits; consider documenting client outcomes systematically to contribute to the evidence base for this application.

Study Design: how this qualitative study was run

Sample Size

26 participants

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Reflexology for lymphedema: common questions

Does reflexology help with lymphedema?

What did this study find?

Participants reported perceived benefits of reflexology lymphatic drainage on both physical levels (reduced swelling, pain, and improved mobility) and psychological levels. Reflexology lymphatic drainage was experienced as a pleasant and non-invasive treatment option for managing breast cancer related lymphoedema. Participation in reflexology treatment appeared to facilitate participants' re-engagement with normal life and a return of optimism despite living with lymphoedema.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a qualitative study and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 26 participants. It was published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.