Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is defined as a visible and palpable network of cords in the skin of the axillary cavity that are tensed by shoulder abduction following surgery for breast cancer, causing significant functional limits of the ipsilateral upper limb (UL) and pain. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss rehabilitation approaches for greater efficacy with respect to pain and novel suggestions. AWS is a frequent complication of axillary lymphadenectomy that necessitates a thorough follow-up in the medium to long term. Physiotherapy is effective in the treatment of functional limb deficits, the management of pain, and the treatment of upper limb disability. The best management approach involves the use of soft tissue techniques to slow the natural course of the syndrome, in association with therapeutic exercises for functional recovery and muscle strengthening. AWS is linked secondary lymphedema, requiring integration with manual lymphatic drainage. The physiotherapy management of AWS is currently fragmented, and insufficient information is available on the nature of the disease. Thus, randomized and controlled studies that compare rehabilitation approaches in AWS are desirable, including the possibility of using mesotherapy in the treatment of axillary and upper limb pain.

Web axillary pain syndrome—literature evidence and novel rehabilitative suggestions: a narrative review / Agostini, F.; Attanasi, C.; Bernetti, A.; Mangone, M.; Paoloni, M.; Del Monte, E.; Mammucari, M.; Maggiori, E.; Russo, D.; Di Marzo, R.; Migliore, A.; Paolucci, T.. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH. - ISSN 1660-4601. - 18:19(2021), pp. 1-10. [10.3390/ijerph181910383]

Web axillary pain syndrome—literature evidence and novel rehabilitative suggestions: a narrative review

Agostini F.
;
Attanasi C.;Bernetti A.;Mangone M.;Paoloni M.;Del Monte E.;Paolucci T.
2021

Abstract

Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is defined as a visible and palpable network of cords in the skin of the axillary cavity that are tensed by shoulder abduction following surgery for breast cancer, causing significant functional limits of the ipsilateral upper limb (UL) and pain. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss rehabilitation approaches for greater efficacy with respect to pain and novel suggestions. AWS is a frequent complication of axillary lymphadenectomy that necessitates a thorough follow-up in the medium to long term. Physiotherapy is effective in the treatment of functional limb deficits, the management of pain, and the treatment of upper limb disability. The best management approach involves the use of soft tissue techniques to slow the natural course of the syndrome, in association with therapeutic exercises for functional recovery and muscle strengthening. AWS is linked secondary lymphedema, requiring integration with manual lymphatic drainage. The physiotherapy management of AWS is currently fragmented, and insufficient information is available on the nature of the disease. Thus, randomized and controlled studies that compare rehabilitation approaches in AWS are desirable, including the possibility of using mesotherapy in the treatment of axillary and upper limb pain.
2021
axillary web syndrome; breast cancer; lymphadenectomy; mesotherapy; physiotherapy; rehabilitation; axilla; female; humans; lymph node excision; pain; postoperative complications; breast neoplasms; lymphedema
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01g Articolo di rassegna (Review)
Web axillary pain syndrome—literature evidence and novel rehabilitative suggestions: a narrative review / Agostini, F.; Attanasi, C.; Bernetti, A.; Mangone, M.; Paoloni, M.; Del Monte, E.; Mammucari, M.; Maggiori, E.; Russo, D.; Di Marzo, R.; Migliore, A.; Paolucci, T.. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH. - ISSN 1660-4601. - 18:19(2021), pp. 1-10. [10.3390/ijerph181910383]
File allegati a questo prodotto
File Dimensione Formato  
Agostini_Web_2021.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Versione editoriale (versione pubblicata con il layout dell'editore)
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 769.49 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
769.49 kB Adobe PDF

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/1601706
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 6
  • Scopus 10
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 10
social impact