1Faculty of Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed To Be University, Karad, Maharashtra, India
2Assistant Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed To Be University, Karad, Maharashtra, India
Axillary web syndrome causes painful scar tissue formation and contractures that extend from axilla downwards to the medial aspect of arm. It is painful and can be initiating factor for post operative complications such as lymphedema, numbness in the arm and limited shoulder and arm mobility in the affected arm.
To find the effect of myofascial release and stretching on Axillary web syndrome.
A randomized controlled trial consisting of 10 females was done who underwent axillary dissection procedures for breast carcinoma, with visible and palpable cords on axilla or arm with restricted use of ipsilateral upper extremity. 2 groups were made and were treated with mfr and stretching respectively for 4weeks and pre and post assessment was done with VAS, DASH and Goniometry.
The statistical analysis for MFR-VAS (p = 0.0026), DASH (p = 0.0013), Shoulder flexion and medial rotation (p=0.005), extension (p=0.0005), abduction (p=0.003) and lateral rotation (p=0.0002) showed significant improvement. The statistical analysis for stretching-VAS(p=0.0086), DASH (p=0.0008), shoulder flexion (p =0.0009), extension (p=0.0019), abduction and medial rotation (p=0.001), lateral rotation (p=0.009) showed significant improvement. And it was found that MFR showed more better effect compared to stretching.
This study found out that MFR had better results in all the 3 outcome measures which were taken. Hence MFR can be used more frequently in management of AWS.
Axillary web syndrome, MFR, Stretching, DASH, carcinoma of breast
