Exercises for lymphedema

[Kelly]

Hi, does anyone know how worthwhile the exercises are for relieving the swelling? I was just wrapped this last Friday, and Kim, my therapist gave me 2 pages of exercises to do too. Do they really help? I've only been wrapped for 3 days, and I've been doing the exercises, but I'm still really swollen. I know Kim said I'd need the wraps for at least 2 months, maybe more, before I can be fitted for compression stockings. Thanks for listening.

[Linda]

Your therapist is right again. Those exercises are important. As I'm exercising I think of it as the muscle and joint pumps helping to move the fluid to move out of the limb. Actually that is what is happening.

I've found ways to make exercises can be fun too. In good weather I like getting out and walk. My dog appreciates it too. When the weather isn't so good, and I'm home alone, I do a dance routine and pretend that I'm glamorous "hot number." I don't really kid myself, and certainly wouldn't fool anyone watching me, but I enjoy it.

Since you therapist said you are going to be in bandages for a while, it sounds as if you are going to have to be patient and make the best of the situation. You can be proud of yourself for doing something that is going to help you get better.

Linda

[FiFi40]

I had some photocopies given to me with a range of really good and quite easy except for the more vigorous ones such as lying on your back and move your legs and arms in a cycle motion for 1 minute rest for a count of 5 and again for another minute until you have completed 5 rounds. I get too breathless and can only do it for half that time. I find if I do them everyday the fluid is greatly reduced but if I get lazy and miss a couple of day man it's all piled back on. Worth a try.

[rts]

One of the best things that has helped me is doing deep breathing exercises. It's a part of my MLD and I do it at least four times a day otherwise. if you inhale and exhale from your diaphragm and not your throat, you'll be doing something that will help that is not too exhausting or tough to do!