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.
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reproduced by professionals for patient use only.
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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?
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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
