Objective:

To analyze the evidence of previous studies on the different treatment alternatives with the use of physical agents and manual techniques used in physiotherapy for breast engorgement at an international level.

Method:

Systematic review study with meta-analysis according to the prisma protocol. Search in Scopus and Medline databases through PubMed, published from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021. The search strategy employed the following terms: breast engorgement, treatment, breastfeeding, six-point engorgement scale, physiotherapy, breast cancer, Physical therapy. The 5 studies chosen for this systematic review were assessed with the PEDro Scale for methodological quality.

Results:

Standardized mean differences ranged from 0.5959 to 2.7373, most of the positive estimates. The average result differed significantly from zero (z = 3.5686; p = 0.0004). According to Q test, the actual results appear to be heterogeneous (Q(5) = 23.2212; p = 0.0003; tau2 = 0.4759; I2 = 83.6163%). The 95% prediction interval for the actual results is given by -0.3733 to 2.5931. A 95% prediction interval for the actual results is given by -3.6762 to 11.5933.

Conclusions:

The techniques studied decrease breast pain and engorgement; however, it has been seen that the combination between them can further favor their improvement. When applied in women with engorgement, they generated short and long term benefits in reducing pain and breast engorgement.

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