Applications of new treatment modality which is Kinesio tape in post mastectomy shoulder problems.

Post-mastectomy complications are often noted and complaints by breast cancer survivors. It often involves the development of chronic arm pain with accompanying limitation of shoulder motion. Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the kinesio tape (KT) on the shoulder pain and range of motion (ROM).

Method: 74 female patients underwent modified radical mastectomy were involved in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups, experimental who received KT for shoulder joint in addition to conventional physiotherapy program while, the control group received the physiotherapy program only. Outcome measures were visual analogues scale, shoulder ROM and shoulder Pain and Disability Index.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Underwent modified radical mastectomy for at least 2 weeks and taking chemotherapy and radiation therapy for stage 1 or II breast cancer.
• Presence of shoulder pain with associated limitation of motion of the shoulder.
• Good compliance and willingness to participate in kinesio taping sessions with a written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Still diagnosed with active breast CA at the time of the study.
• Presence of skin hypersensitivity to kinesio tape material.
• Presence of treatment contraindications including the presence of a pacemaker, heart disease, pregnancy, infectious disease, epilepsy thrombophlebitis, arterial hypertension or metastatic cancer .
• Presence of mental disturbances of the sensorium or language problems which can make communication and cooperation problematic.

publication in a refereed journal