Daily lymphatic exercises/stretches

alrz1980

I was wondering if anyone can post exercises/ stretches that are done daily to improve the fluid flow. If pics are available that would be wonderful! I have a handout from my CLPT for daily preventative exercises plus strength training. I have read some people on here do these daily while others do regular exercise such as yoga, running etc. I'm trying to come up with a daily plan that would begin with MLD and then some type of exercise. I'm just really confused if I should be doing the handout I was given and not other types of exercises instead. If I did everything daily I would be losing 2 hours a day which I don't have. Basically I was given basic 1 LB weight exercises, shoulder blade exercises and some stretches like titling the head up and down, curling the wrist, bending at elbow. Are these what everyone is referring to as lymphatic exercises and stretches? Thanks! 

NatsFan

The Lebed exercises are excellent exercises designed specifically for lymphedema, and the basic daily routine takes only 15 minutes.  If you have more time, you can do additional exercises that target the lymphatic flow in different areas.  Here's a link to their website with the DVD: 

https://www.gohealthysteps.com/store/?productID=3

I think you could probably find some of the exercises on You Tube if you search there to get an idea of what they're like.  They're done very slowly, like tai chi, and are incredibly effective. Your LET is probably familiar with the Lebed exercises - as a matter of fact my LET is the one who gave me my copy of the DVD.   I should do them daily (I sometimes slack off and can tell the difference) and because they're only 15 minutes they don't take all day - I have the time to do other exercise like running, yoga, hiking, Pilates, etc.  

As for regular exercise, the Step Up Speak Out website has some excellent handouts on exercising safely when you have LE or are at risk for it.  Here's a link to the handout for survivors: 

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Handout%20doc%20for...

And if you take a fitness, yoga, pilates, or other exercise class, here's a handout you can print out and give to the instructor so they're aware that you may need some alternate moves if a particular exercise is risky for your LE:  

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Trainer%20doc%20for...

Hope that helps!!