The New England Journal of Medicine recently reported on a study of 141 breast cancer patients who had lymphedema.  The study found, surprisingly, that a controlled program of weight lifting was actually more helpful that restricting activity in the affected arm.  This goes against the once-standard recommendation of restricted activity and it is good news for many women who find it difficult to avoid using their arms. 

 

“My job has been much easier since August!” says Stephanie Dessi, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) in New York City.  “For years, patients have been told to avoid activities like lifting children or carrying bags on their shoulders, while CLTs have been stressing the importance of exercise.  Now there’s less of a gap in the advice – patients are hearing from all their providers that it’s okay to return to their normal activities, but to proceed cautiously and gradually.” 

Dr. Janet Freedman, a physiatrist at Greenwich Hospital, concurs. “The NEJM study was a very good study, done at an academic medical center, and has given us ‘science’ to back up our recommendations on exercise.  I have always told patients to exercise.  They need to proceed with gradual increase in resistance, and monitor their involved extremity.  They may need to wear a compression garment during exercise if they do not already wear one.  But the body can respond to exercise and build better circulation.  It is important for their overall health and even can help the edema.”