Authors (including presenting author) :
Shum PL (1), Wong HY (1), Wong PM (1), Yeung SF (1), Kwong SF (1), Wan SY (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Physiotherapy, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Lymphoedema is the most demoralizing complication after breast cancer surgery. It is reported to have an incidence of 20% (Hayes et al, 2010) when followed up to 18 months. Patients suffering from lymphoedema have pain, numbness, heaviness, impaired function and psychological deficit. Hydrotherapy is well-proven that due to its buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure, there is a therapeutic effect in increasing venous and lymphatic blood flow. Patients after breast cancer surgery undergoing hydrotherapy can help them to mobilize the joints, increase muscle strength and increase rate of breathing during exercise. All these help to increase lymphatic flow and therefore can prevent lymphoedema. However, the acceptance and effect of hydrotherapy for these patients are relatively unknown in Hong Kong. There is no known center in Hong Kong provide hydrotherapy treatment for post breast cancer patients. Therefore, hydrotherapy was introduced to these patients in Physiotherapy Department PYNEH.
Objectives :
1. To analyze the acceptance and effect of hydrotherapy in alleviating symptoms of post breast cancer surgery patients
2. To empower these patients in self-exercise which in the long run prevent or treat lymphoedema.
Methodology :
Breast cancer patients who had undergone surgery and completed radiotherapy for 6 months with condition fit for hydrotherapy were recruited in the study. Each hydrotherapy session included 6 different maneuvers that the patients would perform under physiotherapist guidance in 45 minutes. After the patients had completed 6 sessions of hydrotherapy, a questionnaire revealing their physical and psychological aspect, together with patient satisfaction towards the program was evaluated.
Result & Outcome :
From April 2018 to November 2018, 18 subjects had completed the hydrotherapy training. 61% of patients reported that their upper limbs swelling and heaviness had improved whereas 66% found that their upper limbs stretching feeling had also decreased. 83% agreed that they had confidence to continue the hydrotherapy exercises after discharged. Furthermore, the overall satisfactory rate about this program was 8.5 out of 10.
From this pilot study, hydrotherapy is highly accepted in this type of patients. And most patients reported that hydrotherapy can alleviate their symptoms both physically and psychological. Patients were also empowered to continue with self-exercise which in the long run prevent or treat lymphedema.
Co-location with:
