Which weight training exercises are off limits?

MochiPie

One of the things on the list of what not to do if we are at risk for LE is carry luggage with the affected arm. Two exercises I did previously mimic this movement, and I would think they are to be avoided from now on.

One is called a farmers carry, where I held heavy weights in each hand similar to how you would carry luggage, then I would walk up and down stairs with the weights.

The other is a suitcase hold, where I would lift a kettlebell similar to how you would hold a suitcase (of course) and then extend that arm outward from my torso and hold the weight.

What other movements are off limits? Has anyone received reliable advice on this? I asked my LE PT about these two in particular and she confirmed that those movements would be ill advised. I plan on asking my breast surgeon when I have a follow up with her in a few weeks and I will also ask my MO. I only recently developed a very tiny spot of cording under my arm, so I am going to do two LE PT visits for education on prevention techniques.

edj3

Best to ask your surgeon and your RO about this as they will be familiar with your surgery and radiation and how you've healed.

I personally am cleared to do pretty much everything exercise-wise I did before, including lifting and planks, oh and yoga. But I had to wait several months after rads before I was cleared for those kinds of workouts.

HalfNhalf

edj3, do you wear a sleeve when you do these exercises? I sometimes wear one gardening, but am not sure about it’s value.

edj3

On the advice of the Occupational Specialist I saw who is certified in treating lymphadema, I wore a sleeve while running for the first oh six months. Then I stopped as running doesn't seem to aggravate anything.

I did wear my sleeve and gauntlet for the overseas trip I had to do last year for work (Kansas City to Manila is a l-o-n-g flight), and also any domestic flight over four hours. However, you will have a lot of different takes on whether a sleeve is needed for airline flights.

I didn't and don't wear my sleeve for weight lifting. I just waited to start back until I was cleared by all my care team.

SummerAngel

I do not have Lymphedema and can do any exercises I want to do. I started with very light weights, supervised by my LANA-certified PT. Her opinion was that as long as I started with very light weights my risk of developing Lymphedema was very low, and she's been right so far. I now regularly lift heavy loads and work out with weights. I have never worn a sleeve. I would suggest seeing a LANA-certified physical therapist (https://www.clt-lana.org/) and getting his or her professional opinion. My surgeon knew very little about the risks of Lymphedema.

Hopeful82014

At six years out from surgery (next month!) I wear a sleeve for air travel (not that I'm doing any right now...) and that's about it. My LANA-certified PT helped me feel comfortable going back to weight training (including kettlebells) as well as yoga and Pilates. Not all at once, of course. I started with my lighter weights and fewer reps, watched for an reactions, and went up from there. At this point I don't even give it a thought as far as workouts or gardening go. I'm still cautious about BP checks and needle sticks but I've had some nasty cuts on the affected site and no issues.

Resistance bands are great for gradually returning to your pre-surgery normal - ask your PT for some exercises incorporating them. I've kept them in my office as well as at home and pack them in my suitcase when I travel. I like the fact that I can increase the resistance without purchasing yet another set of weights.

I think it's wise to be cautious until you find your comfort level and see how your body responds. As time goes by I think it's natural to still use common sense but to be much less stressed about the issue. Good luck.