Year: 2024 | Month: October-December | Volume: 8 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 18-24
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijash.20240404
A Comparative Study of Soft Tissue Release and Stretching in Treating Axillary Web Syndrome After Breast Cancer Surgery
Dr. Steffi Alphonso1, Dr. Hiral Jayeshbabu Yagnik2
1In-Charge Physiotherapy department HACC hospital Ahmedabad,
2MPT Student, Ahmedabad, India.
Corresponding Author:Dr. Steffi Alphonso
ABSTRACT
Background: Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS) is increasingly recognized as a side effect of post-breast cancer treatment. It is one of the primary contributors to discomfort and reduced range of motion following breast cancer surgery. Due to severe pain, patients often experience difficulty moving their arms, particularly with shoulder flexion and abduction, which are the most affected movements. After an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), cords, webs, or adhesions can be felt and seen in areas such as the axilla, breast, antecubital region, chest wall, hands, and arms. These fibrous bands restrict shoulder movement, especially limiting flexion and abduction.
Methodology: The study was a randomized clinical trial that commenced after receiving approval from the ethical research committee. Data collection took place at HACC Hospital in Ahmedabad, across the In-patient Department, Out-patient Department, and Physiotherapy Department. Thirty patients were contacted two months after their breast cancer surgery. The ST-AWS questionnaire was used to assess the risk of developing axillary web syndrome and to assist patients in determining if they had AWS by completing a self-assessment.
Result: Data analysis and distribution for both groups were conducted using Excel 2016. In the experimental group, the pre-therapy score was 76%, while the post-therapy score dropped to 36%, reflecting a 40% difference between pre-and post-therapy. For the control group, the pre-therapy score was also 76%, with the post-therapy score decreasing to 41%, resulting in a 35% difference between pre-and post-therapy.
Conclusion: The study concludes that both soft tissue mobilization and stretching are effective treatments for patients with AWS. However, soft tissue mobilization proves to be more effective than stretching. Furthermore, prehabilitation can also play an important role in reducing the risk of axillary web syndrome.
Keywords: Axillary web syndrome, post breast cancer surgery, soft tissue release, stretching, exercise therapy
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