Effect of linearly polarized near infrared light on secondary arm lymphedema

Secondary arm lymphedema resistant to many conservative therapies was successfully treated with linearly polarized near infrared light. A 46-year- old woman with postmastectomy state visited our pain clinic for secondary lymphedema and pain of her left arm. Air massage and benzopyrone had little effect. Cervical epidural block, stellate ganglion block and acupuncture were somewhat effective but not satisfactory. On the other hand, irradiating polarized near infrared light (SUPER LIZER HA-550(TM). Tokyoiken, Tokyo, Japan) on her arm softened the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Binding up the arm with Esmarch's bandage after the irradiation decreased the lymphedema and pain. After 5 months with these treatments, the wrist, forearm and upper arm became slimmer by 0.6 cm, 2.0 cm and 4.4 cm respectively. Polarized near infrared light may activate macrophages that digest abnormally accumulated protein in the interstitium, so that protein in the edema fluid may be removed from the edematous tissue to vascular system. In addition, heat effect of polarized light may improve vascular flow resulting in regeneration of lymphatic channels.