You are here: Home Managing Your ... Lymphedema And ... How To Prevent ... Try To Avoid Muscle ...
Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

How To Prevent And Control Lymphedema

Try To Avoid Muscle Strain

Next » « Previous

5/6

This content was provided by
© American Cancer Society 2010

It's important to use your affected arm for normal everyday activities to help you to heal properly and regain strength. This includes doing things like brushing your hair and bathing. Using your muscles also helps drain lymph fluid from the limbs. If you've had surgery or radiation treatment, ask your doctor or nurse when you can begin to exercise and what type of exercises you can do. But keep in mind that overuse, which can result in injury, has been linked with the start of lymphedema in some women. It's a good idea to follow these tips:

  • Use your affected arm as normally as you can. Once you are fully healed, about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery or radiation treatment, you can begin to go back to the activities you did before your surgery.
  • Exercise regularly but try not to over-tire your shoulder and arm. Before doing any strenuous exercise, such as lifting weights or playing tennis, talk with your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist. They can help you set goals and limits so that you can work at the level of activity that is right for you. Ask your doctor or physical therapist if you should be fitted for a sleeve to wear during strenuous activities.
  • If your arm starts to ache, lie down and raise it above the level of your heart.
  • Avoid vigorous, repeated activities, heavy lifting, or pulling.
  • Use your unaffected arm or both arms as much as possible to carry heavy packages, groceries, handbags, or children.

 

NOTE FROM SURVIVORSHIP A TO Z for: Breast Cancer Survivors: According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, breast cancer survivors who lift weights are less likely to develop lymphedema. The women in the study lifted weights regularly after surgery - first under the guidance of trained fitness instructors and then on their own.

To Learn More

More Information

Exercise

Related Articles

Infection In The Gym

Please share how this information is useful to you. 0 Comments

 

Post a Comment Have something to add to this topic? Contact Us.

Characters remaining:

  • Allowed markup: <a> <i> <b> <em> <u> <s> <strong> <code> <pre> <p>
    All other tags will be stripped.