• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2019

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on women with breast cancer and lymph edema. Methods: This study was carried out with a total of 23 women with breast cancer and lymph edema. By drawing lots, women were assigned to either the manual drainage group (MLD, n=12), a control group (n=11). Outcomes such as the arm size, visual analogue scale, shoulder pain and disability index, and functional assessment cancer therapy-breast (FACT-B) were measured to 0 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks intervention for both groups. Results: A significant difference was found in the arm size, pain, functional disability level, and quality of life between the two groups and time(p<.01). Significant difference in functional disability level between 2 and 8 weeks at 4 weeks and 8 weeks for pain(p<.01), and the quality for life was significantly different at all time points (p<.01). Conclusions: Applying MLD treatment to women with breast cancer proved to have a positive effect.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.129-134
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• 2022

It is necessary to produce properly educated Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) specialists conducted by certified instructors. This study was conducted to introduce a comprehensive understanding, application, historical background, and effect of the MLD and to present a basis for using the frequency MLD as a basic resource for training professional. MLD, a field of manual therapy, is used to treat a variety of diseases such as joint disease, circulatory system disease, lymphedema, and pain et al. However, since there is no proper education for MLD in Korea, there is a need to provide education that meets internationally accepted standards. The Physical Therapists Association and related academic societies will need to prepare a system to train specialists on MLD and to recognize medical insurance through it.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.391-397
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on the activity of sympathetic nervous system, anxiety, pain and pressure pain threshold in subjects with psychological stress. Methods: Twenty-nine subjects with psychological stress were randomly assigned to experimental (MLD) and control (rest) groups. This study was performed as a controlled, randomized study using spectral analysis of electrocardiographic (ECG) activities, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT). Results: Heart rate variability differed significantly between the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). Anxiety and pain showed positive change in both group but it were not showed statically differences. The pressure pain threshold in the upper trapezius muscle was increased in the experimental group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the application of MLD was effective in reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, anxiety, pain, and increasing the PPT.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.35-39
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• 2016

Background: The superficial lymphatic system is divided into areas called lymphatic territories which are separated by watersheds. When the lymphatic system fails to remove its load either due to surgery, radiotherapy or some congenital malformation of it then the fluid and the proteins and wastes contained within it accumulates in that territory. Anastomotic connections exist across the watersheds and while they can work unaided manual lymph drainage (MLD) can significantly help drainage across them into unaffected lymphatic territories. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of a manual technique in moving fluids and softening hardened tissues using a tape measure and Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Methods: We examined the movement of fluids from the affected limbs of lymphedema patients who underwent a standardized 30-min treatment using the Dr. Vodder method of MLD. We chose a typical cross section of patients with secondary leg or secondary arm lymphedema. The lymphedema patient was also measured after the conclusion of treatment and underwent a follow-up control measurement, within 8 weeks. Both evaluation tools indicated a movement of fluid to different and unblocked lymphatic territories as well as a softening of tissues in some of the affected limbs. Results: MLD is an effective means of fluid clearance when it accumulates as a consequence of a failure of the lymphatic system. It seems likely that MLD has a systemic effect on the lymphatic system and that it can improve flow from otherwise normal tissues. Conclusions: It is hypothesized that a series of treatments would result in even more significant improvements.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.89-96
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• 2009

Purpose: This study examined the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on edema and the quality of life (QOL) of lymphedema patients in the maintenance phase. Method: Forty five lymphedema patients, who had completed intensive decongestive therapy, were enrolled in this study. All subjects were assigned randomly to two groups: Experimental (MLD) group (n=23) and control (self-MLD) group (n=22). MLD by a specialist was applied with a comfortable pressure for 40~60 minutes in the experimental group and self-MLD was carried out by the control group 5 times a week for 2 weeks. The % edema and a SF-36 questionnaire were used to measure the decrease in edema and the QOL. A paired t-test was used to compare the period, and an independent T-test was used to compare experiment and control groups. Result: The % edema was significantly lower in the experimental group after MLD (p<0.05). The physical, vitality, and mental health scores of the experimental group was significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: TMLD by a specialist in the maintenance phase is effective in reducing the % edema and enhancing the QOL of lymphedema patients. Further studies will be needed to determine if there are differences in the effects of many types of treatment methods in the lymphedema treatment.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.263-268
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• 2020

This study is to investigate the effects of manual lymphatic drainage of stressed hospital office employees on the autonomic nervous. A total of 30 stressed hospital office women voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were randomized to the manual lymphatic drainage groups and rest groups. The intervention was conducted for 20 minutes in each group. There were significant differences in sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve, and pain within manual lymphatic drainage groups(p<.05). There were significant differences between groups for the sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve, and pain(p<.05). Therefore, manual lymphatic drainage is an effective intervention for reducing the stress and pain of stressed hospital office employees.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.103-109
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• 2009

Purpose: Cases of male external genitalia lymphedema are relatively uncommon in the clinical physical therapy field. Of more than two thousand clinical cases treated by the author in the lymphedema treatment center, only 4~5 cases of male external genitalia lymphedema were encountered. The present case report presents the experience and treatment results of male external genitalia lymphedema from urological cancer. Method: This case was a 47-year-old man, who was treated with complex decongestive physical therapy consisting of manual lymph drainage, compression bandage (including the external genitalia), remedial exercise, skin care. Result: The results were relatively good. The clinical experience would suggest that early treatment and education can reduce the external genitalia lymphedema. However, the treatment efficacy remains limited. Therefore, early treatment is vital for more successful outcomes. Conclusion: The relief of symptoms and a decrease in male external genitalia lymphedema may be the best result from long-term conservative management.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.105-116
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• 2003

마사지 치료는 한국에서 가장 일반적인 치료 도구의 하나로써 물리치료에서 적용되고 있으며 방법도 빠르게 변하고 있다. 지금까지 여러 형태의 마사지 방법들이 국내 물리치료사에게 소개 되어왔지만 림프흡수 마사지는 임상결과가 이전의 연구에서 제시되어 왔음에도 제대로 소개되지 않아서 일반적인 치료적 마사지 방법의 하나로 사용되고 있지는 않았다. 이에 본 연구자들은 현재 국제 림프학회에서 공인된 보더 스쿨의 엠엘디 코스를 임상 물리치료사들에게 소개함으로 해서, 국내에서의 치료의 질을 한 층 더 높이는 기회가 되고자 한다. 공식적으로 공인된 보더 방법의 엠엘디 치료사가 되기 위해서는 보더 스쿨에서 교육하고 있는 모든 교육과정들(기초, 치료 I, 치료 II+III) 치료를 이수해야만 한다. 이수 후 지속적으로 자격을 인정받기 위해서는 2년에 한 번씩 재이수 과정을 마쳐야 하며 이런 과정을 통해 만성 부비동염, 부종, 화상, 관절염, 림프부종 등의 다양한 종류의 질환을 엠엘디를 이용하여 치료할 수 있게 된다. 결과적으로, 이 연구를 통해 보더의 엠엘디 과정을 소개함으로 해서 앞으로 국내 물리치료 분야에서 더 많은 림프와 암에 관련된 전문 엠엘디 치료사가 배출되기를 바라며 그러므로 한 층 국내 물리치료 분야의 질을 올릴 수 있는 기회가 되었으면 한다.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether aromatherapy massages with manual lymph drainage (MLD) are significantly more effective than sham massages with MLD in reducing edematous limb volume in lymphedema. This study was performed on 46 patients who had developed unilateral upper or lower lymphedema. Twenty-three patients served as the experimental group and were treated with complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) applications including aroma massages with MLD, multi layered compression bandages, remedial exercises and skin care. Twenty-three patients in the control group were treated with CDP applications including sham massages with MLD, bandages, exercises and skin care. Patients undergo a therapy program once a day; 5 days a week for 2 weeks. Percentage excess volume (PEV) and body mass index (BMI) were recorded before and after treatment. PEV and BMI were significantly decreased before and after treatment in the experimental as well as in the control groups (p<.05). However, the percentage excess volume and BMI were not significantly improved after treatment between the two groups (p>.05). This study there suggests that aroma massages is not effective in the edema of patients with lymphedema.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2020

Objective: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a major sequela after surgery or radiotherarpy for breast cancer. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is designed to reduce lymph swelling by facilitating lymphatic drainage. This study attempted to determine the histologic changes in the skin and subcutaneous layer, and the immediate effect of MLD in decreasing lymphedema using ultrasound imaging, which is the method used most commonly to eliminate BCRL. Design: A single-group experimental study. Methods: Five subjects who were diagnosed with hemiparetic upper extremity lymphedema more than six months after breast cancer surgery participated in the study. MLD was performed for 60 minutes in the order of the thorax, breast, axilla, and upper arm of the affected side. In order to determine the effect of MLD, ultrasound imaging and limb volume were assessed. Two measurement tools were used for asessing lymphedema thickness among the pretest, posttest, and 30-minute follow-up period. Results: Significant diferences in ultrasound imaging and upper limb volume were found between the affected side and non-affected side (p<0.05). On the affected side, although ultrasound imaging showed a significant decrease after MLD (p<0.05), there were no significant difference in upper limb volume when compared to the baseline. Conclusions: In this study, a significant decrease in lymphedema by MLD was demonstrated by ultrasound imaging, which is considered to be more useful in assessing histological changes than limb volume measurements. Further research on the protocol for eliminating lymphedema will be needed.