Reduction of Arm Lymphedema Using Manual Lymphatic Therapy (Godoy Method)

Background: The manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) technique used during the early stages following surgical treatment of breast cancer can help prevent the progression of clinical lymphedema. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of manual lymphatic therapy (MLT) (Godoy method) in reducing the development of lymphedema immediately after breast cancer treatment. Method: A randomized, blind, crossover, clinical trial was conducted involving 66 women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), who underwent one hour of manual physical therapy and one hour of the control procedure. To evaluate the volume before and after the application of the MLT technique, volumetry, a water displacement technique was used. For statistical analysis, the paired t-test with 5% alpha error by Stats Direct 3(StatsDirect Ltd, Wirral, UK) was used. Results: A significant reduction in the volume of the limb was found in all patients (p-value = 0.0001, paired t-test). Conclusion: MLT is effective in reducing lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.