Pool Exercises/Swimming?

sas-schatzi

Supersally----------don't have an answer except never get in water with an incision line that isn't healed. This has not been a very active thread --------SO, if you don't get a response from one of the peo[le that started it,  PM them to get their attention. Then ask that the answer be brought back here to the thread so we all know.

Binney4

Hi, Barbara,

Here's information from Joe Zuther, a well-known expert in LE therapy, about water exercises that help. When you're ready to do laps start very slowly, paying attention to your body. No stress, no pain, easy does it!

http://www.lymphedemablog.com/2011/01/20/the-benefit-of-aquatic-exercise-for-lymphedema/ 

Be well!
Binney

supersally

Thank you, ladies. 

Sas-schatzi - My incision has been cleared for swimming by PS. 

Binney - great article, very helpful with the exercises.

I'm going to look into a water fitness class, also.

cider8

I'm just about 6 weeks out from my bilateral mastectomy and flap reconstruction.  I've had cording for at least 3 weeks probably more.  I just started PT and in one soft tissue appt I got my range of motion back.  Lots of chest, rib and back tension to work on in addition to the cording.  Anyway.  I swam some laps a couple days ago and it felt WONDERFUL.  I used to be a swimmer, so I felt like a fish to water.  I am looking forward to getting the water back into my routine.  With the cording I feel the tingling and fullness and aching.  I do the self massage my LE PT taught me.  I got set up with a sleeve but haven't worn it.  I started chemo almost 2 weeks ago and I hope to swim at least twice a week.  

sas-schatzi

Cider the longer in time since I started back swimming the more controlled my LE is , but I find I feel the "need to wear my sports bra". My LE is primarily worse in th left breast and axilla and upper arm. After swimming I can tell the breast is tight. but I put on the sports bra and I'm comfy.

sas-schatzi

Toby---------there are more knowledgeable people here than I. I do the back stroke b/c I have a bum neck. So, I get the range of motion I need for my arms and don't screw up my neck. I used to do the modified breast stroke, you are doing and it screwed up both.  MY LE is left breast/axilla and upper inner arm and sometimes upper outer arm.

Each of us is different as to what works and whats wrong with us.

I think one of the keys to sleeves is that if, they are the slightest bit to tight at the top, it can have a tourniquet effect and actually impede return flow. It's tough, though, to get it exactly right and not have it fall down.

 I would love to here what the most knowledgeable folks here, have to say about swimming without a sleeve for those that have a different problem than I do.

There is a stroke that I learned as a kid, it was on the back and you brought both arms and legs up at one time , then brought them down together. The arms came up only straight out from the shoulder and the legs looked like frog position. Breathing--breath in bringing a/l up, breath-out when pushing a/l's down. It was a stroke to be used when trying to conserve energy and was taught as part of rescue type program----we always just called it the frog, but have know idea what it's correct name is.

Good luck toby

Binney4

Hi, Toby,

Most lymphers don't wear their garments in the water. When they're wet they tighten up, so you have to be careful or they'll be too tight and create problems instead of solving them. Not sure what the chemicals would do to the fabric either. Maybe use an old, loose sleeve?

For most, the movement of the water against the skin acts as a kind of MLD to stimulate lymph flow so garments aren't needed (or at least that's the latest theory about why water helps LE control. The usual theory was that water adds pressure so its like having compression on your arms, but since we're not talking about diving for pearls here the amount of pressure the water actually adds isn't likely much).

It is important to remember to dry off, apply lotion and put your garments back on when you get out. And it helps to know that the garments are no protection against sunburn or mosquito bites, so we have to be careful of those things too. Also pays to be sure the water you're swimming in is clean, since even micro-cracks from dry skin can allow bacteria to enter.

Geesh! I make it sound like a chore instead of a pleasure! The whole point would be to enjoy yourself and relax, so take a few common sense precautions and ENJOY!!

Be well!
Binney

sas-schatzi

New thread on social security questions answered by a lawyer whose wife has BC. Knows his stuff------posting on a bunch of threads---------go to financial forum

 Can't make link work without trouble, not up for it.

KS1

Toby & SAS -- I think the stroke you are talking about is called the elementary back stroke.

http://www.enjoy-swimming.com/elementary-backstroke.html

Another possibility might be the side stroke -- using the non LE side as the workhorse side. 

http://www.enjoy-swimming.com/side-stroke.html

 Binney, the swimming = MLD theory makes a whole lot more sense than the increased pressure of water theory.

-KS1 

sas-schatzi

Toby- recontact Binney ---she seems to be the most knowledgable about swimming and LE.