C.A.R.E.S.

C.A.R.E.S.

Clinical and Rehabilitation

Exercise Sheets

LYMPHEDEMA

LYMPHEDEMA

by Angela Page, PT

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE

BEGINNING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM.

THIS GENERAL INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO

DIAGNOSE ANY MEDICAL CONDITION OR TO

REPLACE THE ADVICE OF YOUR HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONAL. DISCUSS A SPECIFIC EXERCISE

PRESCRIPTION WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONAL. IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PAIN OR

DIFFICULTY WITH THESE EXERCISES, STOP AND

CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.

©2000. The Hygenic Corporation. This page may be

reproduced by professionals for patient use only.

Thera-Band® and Associated Colors are trademarks of The

Hygenic Corporation. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

Who can I contact?

L y m p h e d e m a i s
chronic swelling in the
arm as a result of

mastectomy or lumpectomy. Lymphedema is
the stagnation of protein-rich fluid resulting
from lymph node removal. Typically, the
lymph nodes are not available to remove
swelling from the arm into the lymph system.
These proteins attract water into our body,
which results in increased edema that can be
difficult to control.

What is it?

RECOMMENDED THERA-BAND® PRODUCTS

AVAILABLE FROM:

2 5 0, 00 0 p er s on s
s u f f e r f r o m
lymphedema. Any

person undergoing axillary lymph node
dissection is at risk for lymphedema. There
are no specific risk factors associated with
developing the condition. However, 12-35%
of women have lymphedema after these
procedures.

Who gets it?

L y m p h e d e m a

occurs because the
lymphatic system

is being compromised. While most commonly
related to lymph node removal, the exact
cause is unknown. Women with lumpectomy
are more likely to suffer from lymphedema
compared to simple mastectomy.

How do you get it?

How is it treated?

It is important

t o a v o i d
trauma to the

involved extremity, such as cuts, insect bites,
and medical procedures. Monitor any
changes in arm size after exercise. Decrease
exercise if edema consistently increases after
exercise. The extremity should be elevated
above the heart as much as possible.

What are the precautions?

Several treatment
techniques are
used, including

manual lymph drainage massage, compression
bandaging, mechanical pumping, and
exercise.

How is it treated?

Because the
exact cause is
unknown, it is

difficult to prevent. After mastectomy or
lumpectomy, monitor any changes in arm size
and consult your physician.

How is it prevented?

Upper Body

Exercise Kit

National Lymphedema Network

800-541-3259

www.lymphnet.org

Angela Page, Physical Therapist

Woman’s Hospital

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

EXERCISES

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM. DISCUSS A SPECIFIC EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONAL. IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PAIN OR DIFFICULTY WITH THESE EXERCISES, STOP AND CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.

INTERNAL ROTATION

Use towel roll under arm.
Keep elbow at side. Pull
in toward body.

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HORIZONTAL

ADDUCTION

Keep elbow straight. Keep
elbow at shoulder level.
Pull in toward body.

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HORIZONTAL

ABDUCTION

Keep elbows straight.
Keep elbow at shoulder
level. Pull band apart.

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ABDUCTION

Keep elbow straight. Lift
arm away from side.


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FLEXION

Keep elbow straight. Lift
arm forward.


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BICEPS CURLS

Keep elbow at side. Bend
elbow toward shoulder.


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TRICEPS EXTENSION

Keep elbow at side.
Straighten elbow toward
hip.

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ROWS

Pull band toward body,
bending elbow. Keep
forearm parallel to ground

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WRIST FLEXION

Stabilize forearm. With
palm upward, raise wrist
toward ceiling.

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WRIST EXTENSION

Stabilize forearm. With
palm down, raise wrist
toward ceiling.

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GRIP

Grip and squeeze Hand
Exerciser.


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EXTERNAL ROTATION


Use towel roll under arm.
Keep elbow at side. Pull
away from body.

______sets______reps

Color_______________