Thursday, December 22, 2005

Lymphedema and Exercise

One thing that really bothers me is when I hear of people with lymphedema who give up on any activity of exercise because they have this condition. You have to want more from life than just being a couch potato, exercising only your thumb as you click that TV remote.I envision life like a football game. The doctor may say you can only go to the 10 yard line. But, you must with all endeavor try for that goal. Even if you only really the 50 yard line, you know that you gave it your best shot!

To stay as healthy as you can, exercise is absolutely necessary, this is true for lymphedema people and non-lymphedema people. The body simply was not designed to sit on that back side for decades. I am a very strong proponent of doing as much as you can despite lymphedema. The key is to understand what type and how much exercise you can undertake.

Remember also, the lymphatic system does not have its own pump, like the heart. It moves through action, exercise and activity. Getting on and keeping an exercise activity will help increase that lymph flow.

I am not going to include the usual list of "exercises to avoid list, because, honestly, what exercise you are able to participate in depends on the stage of your lymphedema, other medical conditions,and the advice of your doctor and therapist.

My favorite exercise is swimming. The gentle pressure of the water against the limb acts in many ways like the natural movements of our body that activates the lymphatics. In early stages of lymphedema, swimming can actually decrease the size of your lymphedema limb.

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Cautions and Considerations

Remember, there are only three factors that will affect what type of exercise you will be able to do with lymphedema.

1. Accompanying medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to heart problems, diabetes, pulmonary conditions. You mustcheck with your physician.

2. Stage and type of lymphedema. Obviously those with arm lymphedemawould have a problem with bowling. But those with leg lymphedema and no arm involvement shouldn't. Stage 1 & 2 lymphedema would present no problem with hiking and walking. At stage 3, it is more difficult. So take the type and stage of your lymphedema into consideration.

3. Risk of injury is also a factor. At any stage you should consider the consequences of broken bones, torn ligaments and sprained muscles. These can be a serious complication with lymphedema.

Other points to remember

1. Work with your therapist and physician to design an exercise program that is both safe and effective for you.

2. Your should always wear the appropriate lymphedema garment when undertaking any exercise.

3. Swimming - Hot tubs, pools (especially community pools) and lakes during the summer (in warmer climates any time of the year) present an increased risk for all types of infections because of bacteria. I urge caution there.

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EXERCISES FOR LYMPHEDEMA

Exercises with Stage 1

In this stage you are able to participate in just about any and all exercises. The only ones to be concerned with are high impact ones.

Also, parachuting, hang-gliding and bungee jumping are definitely out (unless you are slightly jaded like I am, there probably is no need to warn about these).

Exercises with Stage 2

Stretch exercises - flexion, extension, abduction, rotation. The all include movements of the arms toward and away from you body, arms across your chest, behind your head and back.Walking, Hiking, JoggingSwimming, Canoeing, RowingBowling, Archery, BicyclingDancing, Sailing, ScubaJiu Jitsu, Karate, JudoSailing, Frisbee, Fencing, Jogging, Skiiing, Shooting

What was that about being limited?

This is only a partial list too.Exercises with Stage 3See the above - yes, even in stage 3 you can participate in all of the above sports. You may just have to modify how much and how long.It wasn't until the I had the lymphomas that greatly complicated my life that I finally had to eliminate those that put a higher amount of strain on my legs.

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SITES WITH ARTICLES RELATING TO EXERCISE AND LYMPHDEMA

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Exercise and Lymphedema Breast Care Site

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Exercise and Lymphedema Friends Families Suffers of Lymphedema

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Challenging the Myth of Exercise-Induced Lymphedema Dr. Susan R. Harris, PhD, PT, School of Rehabilitation Sciences - UBCAbreast in the West

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Exercise, Lymphedema, and the Limb at Risk Lymphedema
Therapy

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Exercise and Breast Cancer / Lymphedema

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Exercises Cancerbacup

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Exercise Lymphoedema Association of Australia

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Light Arm Exercises That Can Help Prevent/Manage Lymphedema

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