Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Lymphoedema

There is currently no cure for lymphedema. Literature review revealed extracorporeal shock wave therapy (previously applied to soft tissue diseases such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulders, and poor fracture healing) showed positive therapeutic effect for patients with lymphedema.

Another widely used therapy for pain treatment and muscle strengthening is Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMFT), which has the potential to be used in the treatment of lymphedema due to its ability to increase blood circulation and stimulate muscle contractions.

This study design to evaluate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on patients with lymphedema, and further explore its therapeutic effect.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must be at least 20 years old and have no significant cognitive, language comprehension, or communication issues, be able to understand and follow instructions, and sign the informed consent form.
• Individuals with lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer or gynecologic cancer are eligible (lymphedema is defined as a circumference difference of >2 cm in the same location on both limbs).
• You must be able to attend follow-up appointments at specific times during the 12 months of the trial, referred by a rehabilitation physician in the outpatient department.

Exclusion criteria

• The affected limb has unhealed open wounds, acute infections, or other conditions unsuitable for contact-based treatment.
• The affected limb has metastatic tumors.
• The affected limb has untreated deep vein thrombosis.
• Severe clotting abnormalities.