Axillary Web SyndromeNCT07024134
Recovery Optimization: Adding Tissue Flossing to Nerve Glide on Axillary Web Syndrome Post Mastectomy
A study testing Shoulder flossing application, Nerve glide application and Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide in people with Axillary Web Syndrome, run by MTI University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a complication associated with breast cancer surgery, characterized by pain, functional limitation of the shoulder and decreased quality of life. There are several physical treatment options to reduce pain and improve the functionality of the upper limb in women with AWS. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 to 65 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Axillary Web Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Shoulder flossing application, Nerve glide application and Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 155 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 10 Aug 2025to 5 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 45 to 65 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Women between the ages of 45 and 65 years with diagnosis of breast cancer underwent to quadrantectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy.
- No change of arm size.
- Females only will participate in the study.
- All patients have axillary web syndrome
- All patients' relatives enrolled to the study will have their informed consent
Who cannot join
- Metastatic disease, infections, past TVP, emboli.
- Lymphedema.
- Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
- Pregnant women.
- Patients who suffer from mental or psychological problems.
- Patients who have psoriasis, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive patients and cardiac -robleme
Show all 19Show fewer
- Patients have Genetic disease or deformity
- Who has previous injury or fracture in shoulder joint
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteopenia
- Frozen shoulder
- metastases of any kind
- lymphedema,
- a traumatic injury to the targeted upper extremity
- a musculoskeletal disorder
- taking any anticoagulants
- had undergone bilateral breast cancer surgery
- experienced locoregional recurrence
- had vascular problems in the affected upper extremity
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a complication associated with breast cancer surgery, characterized by pain, functional limitation of the shoulder and decreased quality of life. There are several physical treatment options to reduce pain and improve the functionality of the upper limb in women with AWS. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an early rehabilitation approach to prevent axillary web syndrome consisting in functional and proprioceptive re-education, manual lymphatic drainage and kinesio taping after breast cancer surgery.
Read the detailed description
Tissue flossing for the upper limb involves wrapping a floss band, typically made of elastic material, around the targeted area to provide compression and create a shearing effect on the tissue. This technique is utilized to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and improve recovery. The procedure begins by wrapping the band around the upper limb, starting from the distal part of the limb and moving proximally, ensuring a snug but not overly tight application that allows for some movement. The band is usually left in place for approximately 2-3 minutes. Physiologically, Tissue flossing for the upper limb, often referred to as compression wrapping, plays a significant role in enhancing physiological functions by improving joint mobility and reducing pain. This technique involves tightly wrapping a stretchable band around a muscle or joint to create compression. The compression temporarily restricts blood flow, which, upon release, results in a rush of blood back to the tissues. This process enhances circulation, promoting nutrient delivery and waste removal from the affected area.
- Conditions
- Axillary Web Syndrome
- Being tested
- Shoulder flossing application, Nerve glide application, Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide
- Keywords
- mastectomy, nerve glide, tissue flossing
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Shoulder flossing applicationOther
Select a floss band, typically made of latex, which is about 1-2 inches wide. Ensure the area to be wrapped is clean and dry to prevent slipping. Begin wrapping the floss band around the upper arm, just below the shoulder joint. Start at the deltoid's base. Leave about 2 inches of the band free at the start to tuck in the end when you finish wrapping. Wrap the band tightly but not to the point of causing discomfort or cutting off circulation, the band should be snug but not so tight that it causes numbness or tingling. Aim for about a 50% stretch of the band as you wrap. Continue wrapping down the arm, covering the entire upper arm and ending just above the elbow Overlap each layer by about 50% to ensure even coverage and compression. Once you reach the desired coverage area, tuck the end of the band under the last loop to secure it. Check the tightness to ensure it is snug but not overly constrictive.
Nerve glide applicationOther
With the band in place, perform slow and controlled arm movements. Start with shoulder abduction (lifting the arm sideways) and progress to external rotation (turning the arm outward) this is for axillary nerve glide, (extending your arm and fingers while tilting your head away from the affected side) this for median nerve glide and (Extend your arm out to the side at shoulder height-Rotate the arm so the palm faces upwards-Flex the wrist and fingers back gently-Tilt your head away from the extended arm to increase the stretch) this for radial nerve glide. Ensure movements are within a pain-free range. Stop if any discomfort occurs. Keep the floss band in place for 1-2 minutes while performing nerve glides. Remove the band after the exercise, allowing the skin to recover from compression.
Shoulder flossing with Nerve GlideOther
Procedures of Shoulder flossing application adding to Procedures of Nerve glide application.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder flossing with ROM exercises | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Shoulder flossing application |
| Nerve Glide exercises | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Nerve glide application |
| Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide |
| Control group | No intervention | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Shoulder Pain. Visual Analogic Scale (VAS):
According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), it is a tool used to help the professional assess the intensity of certain sensations and feelings, such as pain. The Visual Analog Scale in Arabic version for pain is composed of a straight line on which an extreme means no pain and the other extreme means the worst pain imaginable.
Measured: at baseline and at 12 weeks
axillary cord thickness
Ultrasonography, this device will be used for the assessment of axillary cord thickness, echogenicity and disorganization. One technique used in ultrasonography is utilizing a high-resolution ultrasound system with 18 MHz frequency, which provides high-definition superficial imaging. A gel technique is also used to reduce artifacts caused by tissue compression. This technique can be used to measure cord thickness, echogenicity, and disorganization.
Measured: at baseline and at 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Shoulder Range of Movement (flexion, extension, abduction and external and internal rotation)
The investigators will use Goniometry of affected shoulder .The patients were asked to move their arms in flexion, extension, abduction and external and internal rotation of the shoulder.
Measured: at baseline and at 12 weeks
Quality of life. Barthel Scale:
The Barthel index or Barthel scale is an instrument used in Arabic version by social and health professionals for the functional assessment of a patient and to monitor their evolution.
Measured: at baseline and at 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Jun 2025
- Study start10 Aug 2025
- Primary completion1 Dec 2025
- Study completion5 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Axillary Web SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- RCT
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 155 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- MTI University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Abd El hady El Fahl,ph.d, MTI University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07024134
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/005818
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 9 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 12 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Recovery Optimization: Adding Tissue Flossing to Nerve Glide on Axillary Web Syndrome Post Mastectomy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07024134
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- P.T.REC/012/005818
- Conditions
- Axillary Web Syndrome
- Keywords
- mastectomy, nerve glide, tissue flossing
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 155 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- MTI UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 5 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 17 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a complication associated with breast cancer surgery, characterized by pain, functional limitation of the shoulder and decreased quality of life. There are several physical treatment options to reduce pain and improve the functionality of the upper limb in women with AWS. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an early rehabilitation approach to prevent axillary web syndrome consisting in functional and proprioceptive re-education, manual lymphatic drainage and kinesio taping after breast cancer surgery.
Detailed description
Tissue flossing for the upper limb involves wrapping a floss band, typically made of elastic material, around the targeted area to provide compression and create a shearing effect on the tissue. This technique is utilized to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and improve recovery. The procedure begins by wrapping the band around the upper limb, starting from the distal part of the limb and moving proximally, ensuring a snug but not overly tight application that allows for some movement. The band is usually left in place for approximately 2-3 minutes. Physiologically, Tissue flossing for the upper limb, often referred to as compression wrapping, plays a significant role in enhancing physiological functions by improving joint mobility and reducing pain. This technique involves tightly wrapping a stretchable band around a muscle or joint to create compression. The compression temporarily restricts blood flow, which, upon release, results in a rush of blood back to the tissues. This process enhances circulation, promoting nutrient delivery and waste removal from the affected area.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 4
- Model description
- RCT
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder flossing with ROM exercises | Experimental | Other: Shoulder flossing application |
| Nerve Glide exercises | Experimental | Other: Nerve glide application |
| Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide | Experimental | Other: Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide |
| Control group | No intervention | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 to 65 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Women between the ages of 45 and 65 years with diagnosis of breast cancer underwent to quadrantectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy.
- No change of arm size.
- Females only will participate in the study.
- All patients have axillary web syndrome
- All patients' relatives enrolled to the study will have their informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (19 listed)
- Metastatic disease, infections, past TVP, emboli.
- Lymphedema.
- Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
- Pregnant women.
- Patients who suffer from mental or psychological problems.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder flossing applicationSelect a floss band, typically made of latex, which is about 1-2 inches wide. Ensure the area to be wrapped is clean and dry to prevent slipping. Begin wrapping the floss band around the upper arm, just below the shoulder joint. Start at the deltoid's base. Leave about 2 inches of the band free at the start to tuck in the end when you finish wrapping. Wrap the band tightly but not to the point of causing discomfort or cutting off circulation, the band should be snug but not so tight that it causes numbness or tingling. Aim for about a 50% stretch of the band as you wrap. Continue wrapping down the arm, covering the entire upper arm and ending just above the elbow Overlap each layer by about 50% to ensure even coverage and compression. Once you reach the desired coverage area, tuck the end of the band under the last loop to secure it. Check the tightness to ensure it is snug but not overly constrictive. | Other | Shoulder flossing with ROM exercises |
| Nerve glide applicationWith the band in place, perform slow and controlled arm movements. Start with shoulder abduction (lifting the arm sideways) and progress to external rotation (turning the arm outward) this is for axillary nerve glide, (extending your arm and fingers while tilting your head away from the affected side) this for median nerve glide and (Extend your arm out to the side at shoulder height-Rotate the arm so the palm faces upwards-Flex the wrist and fingers back gently-Tilt your head away from the extended arm to increase the stretch) this for radial nerve glide. Ensure movements are within a pain-free range. Stop if any discomfort occurs. Keep the floss band in place for 1-2 minutes while performing nerve glides. Remove the band after the exercise, allowing the skin to recover from compression. | Other | Nerve Glide exercises |
| Shoulder flossing with Nerve GlideProcedures of Shoulder flossing application adding to Procedures of Nerve glide application. | Other | Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide |
Primary outcome
Shoulder Pain. Visual Analogic Scale (VAS):
Time frame: at baseline and at 12 weeks
According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), it is a tool used to help the professional assess the intensity of certain sensations and feelings, such as pain. The Visual Analog Scale in Arabic version for pain is composed of a straight line on which an extreme means no pain and the other extreme means the worst pain imaginable.
axillary cord thickness
Time frame: at baseline and at 12 weeks
Ultrasonography, this device will be used for the assessment of axillary cord thickness, echogenicity and disorganization. One technique used in ultrasonography is utilizing a high-resolution ultrasound system with 18 MHz frequency, which provides high-definition superficial imaging. A gel technique is also used to reduce artifacts caused by tissue compression. This technique can be used to measure cord thickness, echogenicity, and disorganization.
2 secondary outcomes
Shoulder Range of Movement (flexion, extension, abduction and external and internal rotation)
Time frame: at baseline and at 12 weeks
Quality of life. Barthel Scale:
Time frame: at baseline and at 12 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Dec 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Axillary Web Syndrome
RecruitingObservational study
Axillary Web Syndrome After Breast Cancer Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Functional Outcomes
Axillary Web Syndrome, Breast Cancer
RecruitingObservational study
Deep Learning for Musculoskeletal Complications in Breast Cancer
Postmastectomy Lymphedema Syndrome, Breast Cancer Surgery Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Muscle Energy Techniques With and Without Manual Axial Distraction in Post-Mastectomy Patients With Axillary Web Syndrome
Axillary Web Syndrome, Post-mastectomy
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Shoulder flossing application, Nerve glide application and Shoulder flossing with Nerve Glide in people with Axillary Web Syndrome, run by MTI University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 19 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Shoulder Pain. Visual Analogic Scale (VAS): (time frame: at baseline and at 12 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Dec 2025.