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snolan · 04-17-2015, 08:39 AM

I haven't heard of using laser therapy as a treatment for lymphedema. Speaking as a physical therapist assistant laser therapy is a form of modality typically used in treatment of tendinitis and bone healing. When looking at the text book it doesn't stand strong due to inconsistencies of the studies done with them. Usually with all modalities cancer is a contraindication. Any modality that can change the cell metabolism researchers are not sure how it would effect a cancer cell so they tend to stay away from them. The FDA acceptable laser used in therapy does not produce heat so I am unsure how it would effect scar tissue, it may change cells ability to absorb or move fluid but if it had that effect what if there was a cancer cell in there somewhere? There is no way to know how it would effect it. That is probably why your Dr says to stay away. I would ask your therapist where she got that treatment protocol and look at the studies as it would relate to the effect on cancer cells. If she doesn't have any or you can't find any its better to stay away.
Suzanne

04-17-2015, 08:39 AM	#3
snolan Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: El Paso ,Tx Posts: 436	Re: Laser Therapy for Lyphedema I haven't heard of using laser therapy as a treatment for lymphedema. Speaking as a physical therapist assistant laser therapy is a form of modality typically used in treatment of tendinitis and bone healing. When looking at the text book it doesn't stand strong due to inconsistencies of the studies done with them. Usually with all modalities cancer is a contraindication. Any modality that can change the cell metabolism researchers are not sure how it would effect a cancer cell so they tend to stay away from them. The FDA acceptable laser used in therapy does not produce heat so I am unsure how it would effect scar tissue, it may change cells ability to absorb or move fluid but if it had that effect what if there was a cancer cell in there somewhere? There is no way to know how it would effect it. That is probably why your Dr says to stay away. I would ask your therapist where she got that treatment protocol and look at the studies as it would relate to the effect on cancer cells. If she doesn't have any or you can't find any its better to stay away. Suzanne __________________ dx: DCIS 6/8/10, HER 2+ 7/26/10; Stage I Age 41 Double mast w reconstruction 6 TCH w 1yr herceptin Tamox. 25 radiation tx Removal of expander on L due to infection. Tried to save it had 3 bouts of antibiotics and went to see plastic surgeon 2-3x wk to get drained. Saving it was my idea not his. But lost it anyway. Reconstruction set for December 21st,2011 Finished chemo 12/2010 Finished Herceptin 8/26/11 Reconstruction 12/21/11 Expanders exchanged for silicon 3/19/12 Nipple reconstruction 5/18/12 Nipple tatooing- 7/9/12- All done yay! 11/22/12-Went back to get scar tissue stretched to even the outside of breast, didn't work due to it being radiated skin.