INTRODUCTION: The post-mastectomy lymphedema is a chronic, progressive pathological picture, which creates a deficit in the balance of trade in interstitial fluids, resulting mainly from axillary node dissection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the armpit. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to review studies of literature, to verify and evaluate the benefits of physical therapy resources for treatment and prevention of post-mastectomy lymphedema. METHODOLOGY: The literature review was conducted in the period 1980 to 2010, through books and databases LILACS, IBECS, Medline, Cochrane Library and SciELO. The resources were: physiotherapy complex decongestive; intermittent pneumatic compression; manual lymphatic drainage; compression garments; bandages; drugs; exercise; surgery; laser therapy; general care; lymphatic drainage mechanics; TENS; self-massage; hydrotherapy; microwave; ultrasound; thermotherapy; balneotherapy; vertical immersion in mercury; intra-arterial injections of autologous lymphocytes; diuretics; Casley-Smith method; and high voltage electrical stimulation (HVES). CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy with its extensive resources is still the most efficient choice in the treatment of post-mastectomy lymphedema, for it can improve not only how to maintain the functionality of the lymphatic circulation, and to prevent recurrence of infections.

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