The AAO Journal, 2006/12, 16(4):21-24, type of study: ,cr,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/aaoj)

Keywords:

case report [736]
lymphedema [6]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
rib pain [2]

Abstract:

A 61-year-old female status post mastectomy with lymphedema of the right arm presented with thoracic, rib, cervical, and right arm pain. The right arm was markedly enlarged with severe pitting edema extending from the fingers to the sternum and down to rib 8 on the right side. The right hemidiaphragm had restricted motion, and there was marked fascial tension acrossthe thoracic inlet and the right axilla. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) resulted in reduction in the patient’s lymphatic congestion as well her thoracic, rib, and neck pain. The primary mechanisms of treatment included releasing of strain in myofascial structures, reducing sympathetic tone, increasing efficiency of the intrinsic pumping mechanism of the abdominal diaphragm, reducing compressive forces at the right lymphatic duct, and improving postural changes caused by the edematous extremity. Lymphedema is a chronic condition which cannot be cured, but OMT may assist patientsin achieving increased comfort and function.