Introduction:

Women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy suffer from lymphedema, a debilitating and unpleasant problem that affects the quality of life. Physical therapy is considered as a treatment option with multiple intervention techniques, which not all patients have access to. The present study aimed to determine the effects of the RED technique in the treatment of lymphedema associated with mastectomy.

Methods:

16 women participated, 8 in the control group and 8 in the experimental group, who attended an oncological consultation at the Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo de Neiva between August and December 2015.

Results:

In both groups A pre-test and post-test with edema measurements, joint mobility for Flexion, Extension, Abduction and External Shoulder Rotation, Supination, Flexion and Wrist Extension and superficial sensitivity based on pain and touch were applied.

Conclusion:

The variables pain, touch and edema presented significant changes after the application of the technique; The trophic and mechanical properties of the skin were initially and final preserved and the joint mobility incorporated significant changes in the post-test of the experimental group for the movements of shoulder abduction, external rotation, forearm supination, flexion and extension.

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