Sahid Method for Secondary Unilateral Lower Limb Lymphedema

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a non-invasive technique frequently used in the management of lymphedema. The Paloma Sahid Method is a patented approach to lymphatic drainage that combines specific manual and mechanical maneuvers and compression. This single-arm clinical trial will evaluate its effects on lower-limb circumference, functional capacity, and quality of life in adult women with secondary unilateral lymphedema. Thirty-two women aged 30-65 years with stage I-II secondary lymphedema affecting one lower limb will be enrolled through referrals from vascular physicians in public and private centers in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. Participants will attend two pre-intervention visits: (1) study information and informed consent; (2) baseline assessments including thermography, body composition and BMI (bioimpedance), blood pressure and heart rate, limb volume by circumferential tape measurements, muscle strength by handheld dynamometry, quality of life (LYMQOL), and function (Lower Extremity Functional Scale, LEFS). A randomized subsample of 10 participants will undergo lymphoscintigraphy before and after treatment to characterize lymphatic circulation. The intervention consists of 12 sessions of lymphatic drainage using the Paloma Sahid Method, delivered three times per week over one month (about 80 minutes per session). Maneuvers follow linear sliding patterns directed toward regional lymph nodes and are complemented by compression therapy. After completing the 12 sessions, all baseline assessments are repeated. The primary objective is to determine change in lower-limb circumference from pre- to post-intervention. Secondary objectives include changes in functional capacity, quality of life, thermographic patterns, body composition, muscle strength, hemodynamic measures, and, in the subsample, lymphoscintigraphy findings. The study aims to provide rigorous clinical evidence on a promising, non-surgical option for individuals living with lymphedema.

NCT Number	NCT07198698
Lead Sponsor	University Diego Portales
Conditions	Lymphedema
Enrollment	32 participants
Start Date	2026-03-01
Primary Completion	2026-12-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-09