Use of reflexology in managing secondary lymphoedema for patients affected by treatments for breast cancer: A feasibility study

Authors: Whatley Judith, Street Rachael, Kay Sally, Harris Philip EJournal: Complementary therapies in clinical practicePublished: May 1, 2016DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.01.002

Q2 JournalSJR: 0.65h-index: 72SCImago

Limited EvidencePilotn=26 participants

Lymphedema / Post-Surgery Swelling Cancer Pain Management

In Plain Language: reflexology for lymphedema, explained

The aim of this feasibility study was to examine the use of reflexology lymphatic drainage (RLD) in the treatment of breast-cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL) with a view to further research. An uncontrolled trial was conducted with 26 women who had developed lymphoedema in one arm following treatment for breast cancer. Changes in upper-limb volumes and in participant concerns and wellbeing were measured. Qualitative data were also collected. A significant reduction in the volume of the affected arm was identified at follow-up compared to baseline. This reduction in volume appeared to be maintained for more than six months. Participant concerns were significantly reduced and their wellbeing significantly increased. No serious adverse effects were reported. RLD may be a useful intervention for BCRL although the results could not be attributed to the reflexology intervention because of research design limitations. The main conclusion was, however, that there was sufficient evidence for further research using a randomized controlled trial.

Key Findings: what this pilot study found about lymphedema

✓Reflexology lymphatic drainage resulted in a significant reduction in affected arm volume at follow-up compared to baseline, with the reduction maintained for more than six months.
✓Participants receiving reflexology lymphatic drainage experienced significantly reduced concerns and significantly increased wellbeing.
✓No serious adverse effects were reported during the reflexology lymphatic drainage intervention for breast cancer-related lymphoedema.

What This Means for You

While this small study shows promising results for reflexology in reducing breast cancer-related arm swelling, the evidence is still early-stage and more rigorous testing is needed before definitive recommendations can be made.

What This Means for Practitioners

This feasibility study provides preliminary support for reflexology lymphatic drainage in managing breast cancer-related lymphoedema and establishes the need for a properly controlled trial to validate the approach.

Study Design: how this pilot 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?

Reflexology lymphatic drainage resulted in a significant reduction in affected arm volume at follow-up compared to baseline, with the reduction maintained for more than six months. Participants receiving reflexology lymphatic drainage experienced significantly reduced concerns and significantly increased wellbeing. No serious adverse effects were reported during the reflexology lymphatic drainage intervention for breast cancer-related lymphoedema.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a pilot 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.