Intensive Treatment of Lymphedema in a Patient with a Sequela of Polio

Introduction: Pain associated with lymphedema is common, but it is rarely a limiting factor. The aim of the present study is to report the effect of five days of intensive treatment of a patient with sequelae of poliomyelitis associated to an infection that progressed to lymphedema and six months of intense pain. Case summary: A 65-year-old patient with sequelae of poliomyelitis from the first year of life evolved with infectious processes and lymphedema after several surgeries for fractures. The patient suffered constant limiting pain for six months. The lymphedema was confirmed by bioimpedance after she sought treatment. The patient was submitted to intensive treatment eight hours/day for five consecutive days using Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy (RA Godoy©). Outcome Measures: After the first day of treatment the pain was reduced to moderate intensity, after the second day, ankle movement improved facilitating ambulation and after the third day, she felt no more pain. The patient is continuing with maintenance therapy using the RA Godoy© device for one hour/day at home. Conclusion: Limiting pain is uncommon in lymphedema but in this case, it was associated with repetitive infectious events. The pain disappeared with Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy.