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IFHNOS 2026
Effectiveness of lymphoedema therapy following delayed intervention, post-radiotherapy, in the head and neck cancer population
Poster

Poster

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Talk Description

Institution: Cancer & Lymph Rehab - Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

Rehabilitation in the head and neck cancer population is complex due to the breadth of issues that can arise, and the significant impact these can have on basic activities of daily living. Outcome measurements for a small cohort of five clients that were delayed in their referral for lymphoedema physiotherapy clinical input, were analysed to determine the effectiveness of therapy in this population. This observational clinical data was analysed retrospectively following 12-weeks of therapy. All clients had undergone radiotherapy, and were symptomatic of their submental region lymphoedema, some with additional regional involvement. Clients’ reported symptoms for between two months, to over two years, prior to their referral. Outcome measures included use of the MD Anderson Scale, ear-to-ear measurements, Tissue Water Constant (TWC) using the Delfin Lymphscanner, and client reported symptoms. The results identify improvements in quantitative outcome measurements through employment of lymphoedema self-management strategies, education, and physiotherapeutic lymphoedema input. Client-reported symptoms became more variable in frequency and severity, however, they were overall ongoing. Through multimodal, physiotherapeutic lymphoedema intervention, improvements in outcome measurements can be achieved in those with delayed presentation following radiotherapy.
Presenters
Authors
Authors

Mrs Claire Boyce -