Exercises for Lymphoedema in Arm

Public Archive
1

Hi Everyone

Are there a set of specific exercises for lymphoedema in the arm? I am still (sort of) doing the ones for post surgery but wondered if there were other that are more appropriate. Lympho nurse did not say anything about them.

Thanks
DaisyGirl xx

2

Hi Daisygirl

The arm exercises you were told to do after surgery are still fine and you’ll see those on BCC.

I also found The Haven website very helpful - I’ve put the link below. If you scroll down you can download the fact sheet which has exercises in it. Also there is a video clip of a lymphodema nurse showing and explaining exercises. I liked being able to see someone doing the exercises rather than just having a leaftlet. This is largely the routine I’ve chosen to follow:

thehaven.org.uk/how-we-can-help-you/lymphoedema

Elinda x

3

Thanks Elinda!

4

My lymphoedema is getting progressively worse, but my nurse told me to carry on with the exercise I was first given post op and I also swim a lot, and apparently that is very good exercise for my arm. I find that any swelling subsides after swimming. And my husband has been shown how to do the lymph drainage massage and does this for me in between visits from the nurse.

5

I’d echo the recomomendation for the Haven exercises - the opening and closing of hands is different from the BCC sheet, and helps… and, I really appreciated the physio’s explanation of WHY we do certain things - helps me not to skip that bit! Jane

6

Hi Elinda,

Did the dvd keep freezing when you watched it. I was finding it very helpful but finally I gave up. Will try again tomorrow.

I downloaded the factsheet for reference.

E

7

post deleted