Kinesio taping and low-level laser therapy in breast cancer-related lymphedema in an arm with arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

Secondary lymphedema mainly occurs as a result of impairment or obstruction of the lymphatic system. Although complex decongestive therapy is recognized as the best management technique of lymphedema, we encounter various patient profiles in our clinical practice and may need to apply alternative treatment options. In this article, we report a 57-year-old female patient with breast cancer-related lymphedema and arteriovenous (AV) fistula for hemodialysis in the same arm. We performed low-level laser therapy treatment for 12 sessions, kinesio taping, and remedial exercises to the patient as the compression part of complex decongestive therapy was contraindicated in the AV fistula. Self-manual lymphatic drainage training and skin care education were also given. The arm volume difference was decreased from 691 mL to 454 mL after the treatments. Low-level laser therapy and kinesio taping should be kept in mind as alternative techniques for appropriate cases in the treatment of lymphedema.

Keywords: Kinesio taping; low-level laser therapy; lymphedema.