Impact of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Vs. Kinesiology Taping on Lymphedema Management Post-mastectomy- an Experimental Study

Abstract Background Lymphedema is a common complication following mastectomy, often causing swelling, pain, and decreased quality of life. Effective management is essential, with Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Kinesiology Taping (KT) being two popular non-invasive treatment options. MLD is a gentle massage technique that stimulates lymph flow to reduce swelling, while KT involves applying elastic tape to promote lymphatic drainage and circulation. Though both therapies have shown promise in alleviating lymphedema symptoms, there is limited research comparing their effectiveness in post-mastectomy patients. This study aims to evaluate and compare the impact of MLD and KT on lymphedema management, focusing on reducing swelling and improving patient outcomes. Method This comparative experimental study included 60 female participants with post-mastectomy lymphedema. Group A underwent MLD thrice weekly, and Group B received KT twice weekly for 12 weeks. Outcomes included limb circumference reduction, Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS) scores, and patient satisfaction. Results Both interventions reduced limb volume and improved quality of life significantly. MLD demonstrated superior limb circumference reduction (23.4% vs. 18.1%, p<0.05). KT scored higher on patient satisfaction due to convenience. Conclusion MLD is more effective in reducing limb volume, while KT offers a convenient alternative with comparable quality-of-life improvements. Individualized approaches are recommended. Keywords Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Kinesiology Taping, Lymphedema, Post-Mastectomy, Physiotherapy Consent Informed consent was obtained from all participants for publication.