Lymphoedema is swelling when the lymphatic system is overwhelmed or compromised. For example, this occurs when lymph nodes are removed following cancer surgery. Radiation too can result in creating fibrotic tissue, leaving the lymphatic system scarred with a loss of elasticity.
The lymphatic system is a one-way circulatory system starting right below the surface of the skin and traveling deep towards the heart. It collects excess fluid and metabolic wastes from the body to filter and return to the blood circulation. It is slow and only beats about 6 times per minute in the deep lymph vessels. Lymphatic drainage massage and exercise can increase the rate up to 30 times per minutes.
We know from research that lymphatic drainage massage (LDM) and exercise help stimulate the lymph system. LDM stretches the open-ended lymph capillaries below the skin to increase fluid absorption and exercise makes the muscles contract to impinge on the lymph system, opening valves in the deeper vessels and increasing the circulation.
There are many ways to exercise with weight training, walking, cycling, amongst other physical activities. Weight training helps build muscle mass and is a safe and effective way to keep swelling under control. It is recommended to do it with close monitoring by a trained professional, particularly at the beginning of a program that would include slow and regular progressive exercise, in accordance with the symptom response. Cardiovascular training improves the heart rate and respiration to boost blood flow and oxygen through the body using big muscle groups rhythmically and repetitively. Activities such as walking and cycling are great leisure activities and can also be performed indoors under supervision.
All activities are performed with deep breathing. The area around the heart is often congested, particularly the thoracic duct where major lymph vessels meet before reinterring the blood circulation. The upper body contains clusters of lymph nodes such as those above and below the collar bone and in the armpits. Deep breathing stimulates the lymph flow in the region including the lymph nodes between the ribs, which are gently massaged when the rib cage expands and relaxes.
LDM, exercise and deep breathing are the simplest and most pleasurable ways to move lymph. They improve quality of life when living with lymphoedema and are an integral part of a lymphoedema management program.
Take a deep breath, inhale peace and exhale happiness. Move your body, feel stronger and change your mind. Have a lymphatic drainage massage and feel your body responding, manage lymphoedema and your life is under your control.
The clinic is moving to Alba Ville, 37 Circa Crescent at Albany Creek on 1st August. You can make an appointment for lymphatic drainage massage and be fitted with a compression garment using my website or simply call 0419 022 985.
Reference
Bonnie, A. (2017, June 22). Could Weightlifting Be Beneficial for Those With Lymphedema? Retrieved July 6, 2023, from Cure today: https://www.curetoday.com/view/could-weightlifting-be-beneficial-for-those-with-lymphedema
Killbreath, S., Ward, I., Davis, G., Degnim, A., Hackett, D., Skinner, T., & Black, D. (2020, August 18). Reduction of breast lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer: a randomised controlled exercise trial. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-020-05863-4
Moseley, A., Piller, N., & Carati, C. (2005). The effect of gentle arm exercise and deep breathing on secondary lymphoedema. Retrieved July 12, 2023, from The University of Arizona: https://journals.uair.arizona.edu/index.php/lymph/article/view/17173/16960
Singh Paramanandam, V., & Roberts, D. (2014). Weight training is not harmful for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a systematic review. Journal of physiotherapy, 60(3), 136-143. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955314000903
Singh, B., Newton, R., Cormie, P., Galvao, D., Cornish, Bruce,, B., Reul-Hirche, H., . . . Kazunori, N. (2015). Effects of compression on lymphoedema during resistance exercise in women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: A randomised, cross-over trial. Retrieved July 8, 2023, from QUT ePrints: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/86549/
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