Mechanical Stimulation on Pain Level and Functional Discomfort After Breast Cancer Surgery

Effectiveness of Mechanical Stimulation on Pain Level and Functional Discomfort Following a Total Mastectomy and Exploratory Axillary Surgery

This study evaluates the effectiveness of mechanical stimulation technique compared to massages on pain level and functional discomfort (on the mobility of the shoulder) after 6 months, in breast cancer needing physiotherapy, following a total mastectomy and exploratory axillary surgery.

A prospective, monocentric, randomized, open-labelled in two parallel groups study that evaluates the effectiveness of mechanical stimulation technique compared to massages on pain level and functional discomfort (on the mobility of the shoulder) after 6 months in breast cancer patients needing physiotherapy, following a total mastectomy and exploratory axillary surgery.

Other objectives of the study include:

• Evaluate the efficacy of mechanical stimulation technique compared to massages on pain and functional discomfort (on the mobility of the shoulder) 15 days after the end of physiotherapy.
• Evaluate the impact of mechanical stimulation on the quality of life of patients, in comparison to those receiving massages

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• Patient who had total mastectomy for a breast cancer or pre-cancerous lesions
• Associated with axillary dissection or removal of the sentinel lymph nodes
• Presenting with functional discomfort and/or pain at the control consultation, 3 weeks after the mastectomy and justifying the prescription of physiotherapy
• Possibility to be treated by a physiotherapist who can carry out both techniques and accepts to perform either one of the techniques according to the randomized allocation of the treatment
• Patient covered by the French social security regime
• Signed and informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Immediate breast reconstruction
• Total bilateral mastectomy
• Contraindication to mechanical stimulation technique
• Patient who are planning to move houses in the next 6 months
• Patients under guardianship