INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE<\/p>\n
Exercise does not increase the chance that lymphedema will develop in patients who are at risk for lymphedema. In the past, these patients were advised to avoid exercising the affected limb. Studies have now shown that slow, carefully controlled exercise is safe and may even help keep lymphedema from developing. Studies have also shown that, in breast-cancer<\/a> survivors<\/a><\/span>, upper-body exercise does not increase the risk that lymphedema will develop.\u00a0Some studies with breast cancer<\/a> survivors<\/a><\/span> show that upper-body exercise is safe in women who have lymphedema or who are at risk for lymphedema. Weight-lifting that is slowly increased may keep lymphedema from getting worse. Exercise should start at a very low level, increase slowly over time, and be overseen by the lymphedema therapist. If exercise is stopped for a week or longer, it should be started again at a low level and increased slowly.\u00a0If symptoms<\/a> <\/span>(such as (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE Exercise does not increase the chance that lymphedema will develop in patients who are at risk for lymphedema. In the past, these patients were advised to avoid exercising the affected limb. Studies have now…<\/span><\/p>\n