Abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of non-surgical lymphedema interventions in people with a history of breast cancer in increasing ability to participate in ADLS. Participants were chosen that were female with a history of breast cancer, who were 18 years or older, and who presented with mild to moderate breast cancer related lymphedema. A literature review was conducted and evidence table was created, only including the following: resources that were Level I RTCs, resources that used the functional outcome measure of the Disabilities of Arm, Should, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) or the Quick-Dash (Q-DASH), and articles that were less than 8 years old. Results indicated that exercise programs can be an integral component of lymphedema management without exacerbating symptoms. Additionally, self-lymphatic drainage paired with a compression bandage, patient education, or an exercise program were effective interventions in the promotion of a reduction in lymphedema quantity in the affected limb. Further research should be conducted to indicate the exact dosage and frequency of non-surgical lymphedema interventions that generalize to a more diverse population.