Physiotherapy Protocol to Reduce the Evolution Time of Axillary Web Syndrome in Women Post-Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To reduce the evolution time of axillary web syndrome in women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. Methods: A prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 46 post breast cancer surgery patients from October 2021 to September 2024, in a single university hospital with painful Axillary Web Syndrome that restricts arm mobility. The intervention consisted of stretching combined with manual therapy and scar massage to release adhesion and lymphatic cord during 15 physiotherapy sessions of 30 minutes duration each. The main outcome measures were: pain, evaluated with VAS and arm ROM, evaluated with goniometry. Results: Significant differences were detected in pain and in range of motion. The effect of the intervention varied over time with 95% confidence interval (risk alpha 0.05) and a statistical power of 90% (risk beta 0.1). Comparisons between Control and Intervention Groups showed significant statistical and clinical differences in favour of Intervention Group after 30, 60 and 90 days of intervention at follow-ups for all measured parameters. Conclusion: The results suggested that stretching combined with scar massage and manipulative tissue release techniques reduce the evolution time of axillary web syndrome. The physiotherapy technique described in this article could be the technique of choice for this surgical sequela. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NTC05115799) and the approval of the Andalucía Ethics Committee (PEIBA code 1909-N1-21, reg. number 171.21).