Using thermal imaging to measure changes in breast cancer-related lymphoedema during reflexology

Authors: Whatley Judith Anne, Kay SallyJournal: British journal of community nursingPublished: October 1, 2020DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2020.25.Sup10.S6

Preliminary EvidenceCase Studyn=2 participants

Lymphedema / Post-Surgery Swelling Cancer Pain Management

In Plain Language: reflexology for lymphedema, explained

Reflexology lymph drainage (RLD) for breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) may have a positive impact on arm swelling and pain. Thermal imaging is a means of tracking temperature change by visual images. This study aimed to explore the use of thermal imaging in treatment for BCRL. The swollen arms of two participants with BCRL were photographed using a thermal imaging camera during a single RLD treatment. Limb Volume Circumferential Measurement (LVCM) of both arms was taken before, after and the next day. The images were examined for visual changes, and temperature data were extracted. Images showed differences in temperature within the affected hand and arm over 45 minutes. LVCM data indicated a loss of limb volume in the affected arm in both cases, which continued to decrease over 24 hours. Thus, thermal imaging may be useful in tracking temperature change during treatment for BCRL.

Key Findings: what this case study found about lymphedema

✓Thermal imaging detected temperature changes within the affected hand and arm during a single 45-minute reflexology lymph drainage treatment session.
✓Limb volume measurements showed reduction in swelling of the affected arm immediately after treatment and continued to decrease over the following 24 hours in both study participants.
✓Thermal imaging may be a useful tool for tracking temperature changes and monitoring treatment response in breast cancer-related lymphoedema during reflexology therapy.

What This Means for You

This small pilot study suggests thermal imaging could be a useful tool to measure reflexology's effects on breast cancer-related arm swelling, but more research with larger groups is needed before drawing firm conclusions about effectiveness.

What This Means for Practitioners

Thermal imaging offers a potentially objective way to document temperature and volume changes during reflexology lymph drainage treatments, which could help demonstrate treatment responses to clients and support clinical practice.

Study Design: how this case study was run

Sample Size

2 participants

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Reflexology for lymphedema: common questions

Does reflexology help with lymphedema?

What did this study find?

Thermal imaging detected temperature changes within the affected hand and arm during a single 45-minute reflexology lymph drainage treatment session. Limb volume measurements showed reduction in swelling of the affected arm immediately after treatment and continued to decrease over the following 24 hours in both study participants. Thermal imaging may be a useful tool for tracking temperature changes and monitoring treatment response in breast cancer-related lymphoedema during reflexology therapy.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a case study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It covers 2 participants. It was published in British journal of community nursing. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.