Comparison of manual lymphatic drainage massage and negative pressure massage therapy efficacy in lymphedema patients

Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in all parameters in both treatment groups. The decrease in VAS pain and VAS discomfort scores (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01; respectively), [and] circumference measurement of the extremity (p < 0.01) was statistically greater in the NPMT group compared to the MLD group.

Conclusions: In conclusion, NPMT (negative pressure therapy) appears to be a beneficial non-invasive treatment method for reducing extremity volumes and decreasing subjective pain and discomfort in lymphedema patients.

Source: The European Research Journal