Lymphoedema News from Mexico - Deep Oscillation Therapy Offered to Patients Operated for Breast Cancer

Lymphoedema can present as a result of breast cancer surgeries. Elia Ortiz Arellano, student of Physical Therapy at the Regional General Hospital No. 1 "Lic. Ignacio García Téllez" of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has implemented a Deep Oscillation study protocol for women suffering from Lymphoedema as a result of breast cancer surgeries.

"Deep Oscillation is a non-invasive treatment that produces a volume reduction in lymphoedema. (Millennium News)

As of Monday, October 15, free attention will be given to IMSS beneficiaries who, after undergoing a mastectomy, present these sequelae consisting of swelling, usually in the arms, resulting from the removal or damage of lymph nodes as part of oncological treatment (surgery or radiation therapy).

"Lymphoedema may occur in 25 percent of women who undergo mastectomy and the IMSS does not currently have this rehabilitation therapy. In this case, we bring the equipment to the hospital to do the study protocol to demonstrate the multiple benefits of this therapy, so that in the future the equipment can be acquired, which can be used not only in oncology, but for other injuries such as sprains, lumbago, etc.," detailed the interview.

Under the tutelage of Zazil Piña González, Coordinator of the Physical Therapy career at the IMSS hospital, Elia Ortiz explained that through this study it is intended to include oncology patients in rehabilitation therapies since IMSS does not have this service.

Deep Oscillation is a non-invasive therapy

"Lymphoedema onset can be late or early and there are also patients who do not have it, but many times when they return to the consultation with the oncologist after their surgery they already have swelling of the arm and do not know why. The symptoms are pain, swelling, numbness and loss of mobility," said Elia Ortiz.

Elia explained that Deep Oscillation is a non-invasive treatment that produces a reduction in the volume of lymphedema. To perform the therapy, the patient holds a titanium contact electrode loosely between the fingers while the therapist puts on gloves and is also connected to the equipment, providing a pleasant and gentle massage to the patient.

"This protocol will be carried out during three months, we started with the first patients on Monday 15 October. There are 15 sessions per patient of 25 minutes each. The first five sessions will be followed from Monday to Friday and the next 10 will be every third day. We intend to see at least 22 patients, which is the sample for the study, but if that number is exceeded, we will see them," she said.

Patients who wish to participate in this therapy may contact the physical therapist at cell 922-114-8340 or go to the teaching area of the IMSS hospital with Ms. Zazil Piña Gonzalez.