Randomized Application of Low-Frequency Electrostatic Field and General Magnetic Therapy after Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background: Various methods of physical therapy are widely used in the rehabilitation of patients with cancer (magnetotherapy, pneumocompression, electrotherapy, laser therapy). The goal of such rehabilitation is to minimize side effects and complications after radical treatment. However, a staged approach to the appointment of physiotherapeutic factors in the early period after surgical treatment of breast cancer has not been developed enough. Aim: To develop a staged approach to the appointment of physiotherapeutic factors at different times after surgical treatment of breast cancer. Design: a randomized-placebo-controlled study. Location: the clinic named after professor Yu. N. Kasatkin of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow. Population: Examination and treatment of 78 patients aged 30-70 after surgery for breast cancer were performed. The main group of 39 patients underwent a 2-stage course of medical rehabilitation: the first course on days 2-4 after surgery and the second course after 1-1.5 months against the background of adjuvated radiation therapy. The control group of 39 patients underwent physiotherapy placebo procedures. Methods: All the patients underwent medical rehabilitation: individual exercise therapy, balance-therapy, sessions with a medical psychologist, course exposure to an alternating low-frequency electrostatic field and general magnetic therapy. Results: two-stage physical rehabilitation improves the quality of life, decreases swelling, increases the range of motion, decreases pain, decreases the number of postoperative complications, and shortens the duration of lymphorrhea. Conclusions: It is advisable to include general magnetic therapy procedures and exposure to an alternating low-frequency electrostatic field in combination with physiotherapy exercises, balance-therapy and individual lessons from a medical psychologist in rehabilitation courses. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: Prescribing two courses of medical rehabilitation after breast cancer surgeries in the early stages (on days 2-4) and 1-1.5 months after surgery contributed to a decrease in pain and postoperative edema, and an increase in the range of motion in the shoulder joint, preventing severe lymphostasis and improving the quality of life.