anyone here do planks?

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kriserts
kriserts Member Posts: 224
edited July 2016 in Lymphedema

I have lymphedema, non-pitting and fairly mild, confined to my upper arm. I know planks and downward dog are not recommended, but so are a lot of things that I seem to be able to do. Does anyone here do planks, and if you do, did you find it exaberated your lymphedema, or were you fine?

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited July 2016

    Hi Kriserts, do you have diagnosed lymphedema?

    I am doing planks, downward dog, pushups and more. I am three years past BMX with silicone implants reconstruction. I have slight lymphedema in my left foot but even it gets better after I exercise. I have not noticed any negative impact to the upper body from the exercise I am doing, however I was not diagnosed with lymphedema in the upper body.

  • ErenTo
    ErenTo Member Posts: 343
    edited July 2016

    Krisert, I don't have lymphedema. I do planks, push-up, yoga, etc. Although I was paranoid and gradually built up to it. So far haven't had any problem. Recommendation might be different for someone with lymphedema.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2016

    Hi Kriserts,

    For some helpful tips and advice on physical activity and lymphedema, see the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Lymphedema & Exercise.

    We hope this helps!

    --The Mods

  • kriserts
    kriserts Member Posts: 224
    edited July 2016

    thanks muska and ErenTo, I do have some lymphedema and edited my post to reflect that.

  • Milkdromeda
    Milkdromeda Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2016

    Right now I am doing planks and other exercises too. I am also trying to lose 20lbs. I try to swim everyday. Since it is so hot I am swimming from 8PM-10PM.

    I do have full body lymphedema. I have not been formally "diagnosed" yet. I will see a doc next month for that.



  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited July 2016

    I had a problem with chest lymphedema for about 3years after my BMX. My arms are OK. I do planks, push ups, pull ups, bench press. Proceed with caution, if you want to try. You can always stop & get things under control. You really won't know what you can get away with without trying. Trying to sort out sore muscles & possible lymphedema discomfort is what you'll need to figure out.

  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited July 2016

    I plank!! (I never thought I'd be able to say that!!) I had mild LE - I have been working out consistently since mid-January - wore a sleeve for the first three months or so - then forgot it one day and haven't needed it since.

  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited July 2016

    It hurt my back so I stopped, but did not make my LE worse.

  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited July 2016

    I have lymphedema which started shortly after I finished radiation. I have never caused a flare with any exercise except hiking, which I think maybe was because my arm was just dangling the whole time.

    What I did do, which is consistent with what I've read, is to ease into any activity. If you want to do planks, start out for very short time periods and work up to something that feels like a challenge for your core.

    The only activities I consider off-limits due to lymphedema are: exposing my hand or arm to unnecessary nicks and cuts and submerging my hand or arm in unclean water (that includes hot tubs, which teem with bacteria).

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