Shock Wave Therapy for Lower Limb Lymphedema

This is a double blind, randomized, clinical trial. 30 patients with lower limb lymphedema will be randomized in 2 groups. One group will receive the habitual complex decongestive therapy (lymphatic manual drainage and compression) plus extracorporeal shock waves therapy. The other group will receive complex decongestive therapy (lymphatic manual drainage and compression) plus placebo extracorporeal shock waves.

Patients in the 2 groups will be instructed on skin care measures and kinesitherapy. The usual manual lymphatic drainage and compression will be applied to the 2 groups. The 2 groups will receive 10 treatment sessions, 2 weekly for 5 weeks.

Group complex decongestive therapy + shock waves. Patients will receive treatment with manual lymphatic drainage, compression, and shock waves.

Group complex decongestant therapy + placebo. Patients will receive treatment with manual lymphatic drainage, compression, and placebo shock waves.

Tolerance and possible adverse effects will be recorded by physiotherapist. Any adverse effect detected will be evaluated by the rehabilitation medical doctor.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with lower limb lymphedema
• Lymphedema of at least 6 months of evolution
• The lymphedema must affect at least the knee to the foot
• Moderate or severe lymphedema (grades 2 or 3)
• Sign the informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Under 18 years of age
• Coagulation disorders (hemophilia, treatment with acenocoumarol, etc.)
• Current or previous deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity
• Pregnancy
• Electronic implantable medical devices as pacemaker implants, medication pumps, etc
• Having received treatment with complex decongestive therapy or shock waves during the last 6 months
• Treatment with corticosteroids or radiotherapy in the area to be treated in the last 6 weeks
• Active oncological disease in the area to be treated
• Active infectious-inflammatory process in the area to be treated
• Cognitive or sensory deficits that prevent collaboration
• Inability to walk independently or inability to attend therapy