WEIGHT LIFTING AND LYMPHEDEMA
GUIDE FOR THERAPISTS

By KATHRYN SCHMITZ

The top 8 best practices for proper weight lifting and Lymphedema are listed below and we hope they help guide your patient to recovery.

1. PRIOR TO STARTING, EVALUATION AND TREATMENT FOR ARM AND SHOULDER PROBLEMS THAT WOULD PRECLUDE PARTICIPATION

2. WELL FLITTING COMPRESSION SLEEVE AND GAUNTLET FOR WOMEN WITH LYMPHEDEMA

3. START WITH LOW WEIGHTS (UNDER 5LBS)

4. INCREASE WEIGHTS ONLY AFTER 2-4 SESSIONS WITH NO CHANGE IN LYMPHEDEMA SYMPTOMS

5. LISTEN TO THE BODY: IF THERE IS A CHANGE IN SYMPTOMS THAT MIGHT BE A FLARE-UP OR ONSET THAT LASTS A WEEK OR LONGER, STOP DOING UPPER BODY EXERCISE AND SEEK CARE FROM A CERTIFIED LYMPEDEMA THERAPIST

6. LISTEN TO THE BODY; IF THERE IS A CHANGE THAT MIGHT INDICATE A SYSTEMIC CELLULITIC INFECTION, SEEK MEDICAL CARE AND ANTIBOITICS IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT RETURN TO WEIGHT LIFTING UNTIL THE INFLAMMATORY PROCESS HAS CLEARED

7. IF A WOMAN TAKES A BREAK FROM TRAINING FOR A WEEK OR LONGER, BACK OFF ON WEIGHTS AND THEN SLOWLY REBUILD RESISTANCE IN EACH EXERCISE.

8. ALL EXERCISES NEED TO BE DONE WITH PROPER BIOMECHANICAL FORM TO ENSURE THAT THE SMALL MUSCLES OF THE FOREARMS, WRISTS AND HANDS ARE NOT OVERSTRESSED IN TRYING TO COMPLETE AN EXERCISE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR LARGER MUSCLES IN THE SHOULDERS, CHEST OR BACK

Manual Lymph Drainage: Helpful Recommendations

Your compliance with these recommendations will support and maintain the improvement in your affected limb(s) from your Manual Lymph Drainage Treatment and Combined Decongestive Therapy here at Serenity Wellness Clinic and help achieve a further reduction after treatment.

MLD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SELF-CARE OF AFFECTED LIMBS

• Keep skin clean and moisturize daily with neutral pH or acidic skin lotion or cream
• Avoid cuts, skin punctures, pet scratches, burns and insect bites to affected limb(s)
• Clean breaks in skin with soap and water, then use anti-bacterial ointment
• Use sun block to protect affected limb(s) especially avoiding sunburn
• Use mild detergents when washing clothes
• Use hypoallergenic soaps and toiletries
• For manicures/pedicures: sterilize instruments, avoid cutting cuticles, cut toenails straight across
• Use the unaffected limb for blood pressure measurements, injections and avoid all injury to the limb (e.g., shaving should be done carefully with an electric razor)
• Take warm baths/showers (avoid hot)
• Avoid extreme hot or cold (Jacuzzi, whirlpool, sauna, heating pad, ice pack)
• Wear prescribed compression garment(s) during the day and bandage affected limb(s) at night
• Elevate affected limb(s) wherever possible (above heart level, if arm is affected)
• Practice remedial lymphedema exercises daily while wearing compression garment(s)
• Exercise regularly in moderation: walking or swimming is recommended. If affected limb(s) begins to ache, elevate and rest
• Avoid lifting, carrying or pushing or pulling heavy objects
• When traveling by air, wear compression garment(s) and frequently move about the cabin. Request bulkhead seating in order to elevate affected limbs.
• Avoid Deep Tissue Massage, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Rolfing
• Try to maintain ideal weight with diet low in protein, salt, fried foods and saturated fats and high in fresh fruits and vegetables. When drinking socially, wine is preferable to alcoholic beverages
• Refrain from smoking
• Change limb positions often rather than letting it rest in one position for too long
• Try to sleep so that your body weight is not pressing on the limb (slows circulation). If at all possible, sleep with arm above head, as the lymph pathways from the arm area will be more directed.
• Keep antibiotics prescribed by your doctor on hand and take immediately on sign of infection (redness, pain, heat, swelling, fever). Have any infections and unusual redness (inflammation) attended to immediately by a medical doctor.
• Have MLD done immediately on recent bruising
• Clothing should be loose and comfortable with no tight constriction on the affected side (i.e.: bra straps, elasticized socks or undergarments)
• Wear a wristwatch only on the unaffected side as it may trap bacteria or pinch the skin on the affected side. Tight jewelry may have the same affect.
• Report any chaffing, redness, indentation, looseness or tightness of the sleeve/stocking to your therapist
• Wear a light prosthesis if one is used on the affected side
• Carry handbag on opposite arm from affected limb.
• Wear gloves while doing housework or gardening, use thimble when sewing
• Keep feet clean and dry and free of fungal infections
• Don’t walk barefoot, inside or outside
• Avoid crossing legs while sitting, change position or stance frequently when sitting or standing for long periods

We hope these patient recommendations help with your recovery and reducing the symptoms of manual lymph drainage.

WHAT IS MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE?

MLD is a specialized form of massage developed by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder in Europe during the 1930’s. It is characterized by light, gentle, very precise manual technique performed on the skin. Rhythmic and soothing, the pattern of the hand movements follows the lymphatic pathways of drainage towards the lymph nodes.
Each quadrant of the body has its specific area of concentration of lymph nodes to which the lymph fluid drains. MLD targets these areas with a specific sequence to affect the drainage.

MLD is a safe, effective therapy for the treatment of various medical conditions. It cleanses and detoxifies the tissues and helps reduce excess fluid accumulation (edema) in the body.

Benefits of MLD.

• Removes products of metabolism, excess water, bacteria, viruses, cellular debris, proteins, long chain fatty acids, dust and dyes
• Relieves pain by the rhythmic application of the technique which blocks or reduces the pain signals along the nerve pathways
• Reduces stress levels by calming the parasympathetic nervous system
• Supports the immune system
• Support and improves the body’s ability to heal quickly
• Helps to reduce scar formation

Some Indications for MLD

• Primary and Post Secondary Lymphedema
• Post surgical swelling
• Fractures
• Varicose veins
• Arthritis
• Pregnancy
• Headaches/Migraines
• Whiplash
• Sprain/strains
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Fatigue