These tools may help
to manage your Lymphedema.
Not all will apply to
you and not all are to be done each day, this is a selection of tools that you
may choose from each day.
Pick the things you
enjoy and will look forward to.
Mix it up and go
easy, there is no benefit to overdoing and it and may even cause a setback.
Compression garments
should be worn for all exercise. And night garment worn if needed.
Swimming or walking in the pool. Immerse up to the collar bone and
enjoy the view.
Trampoline. Gently bounce starting with 1 minute and increasing
each day, use a balance handrail if you are at all unsteady.
Heel Lifts While standing come up on the toes and come half way
back down so the heels do not touch the floor. Start with 5 and increase over
time, to be done throughout the day.
Gyrotonic movement sessions
Walking
Getting on all fours
and letting your belly relax, then draw the belly in and let it go, try to
increase over time.
Chi Machine, start with 5 minutes and increase over time. Try for
twice per day, Pad the ankle with a towel and use knee bolster. Always use on
the floor with no pillow or can use small hand towel under head. The goal is
movement! The brand I have experience with and can recommend is the " Sun
Ancon Chi Machine"
Elevation. Using a leg elevator pillow with head slightly
elevated to create a slight v position. While elevated point and flex the toes
for 10 times and increase over time. Elevate for as long as comfortable. No
need to sleep elevated.
Standing tall swing arms side to side to create a
work screw motion, try several times per day.
Blowing up balloons, deep breathing exercises
Belly laughing, singing, shouting and chanting
Belly dancing
Chi Gong, Tai Chi
Hula hoop
Self MLD
Body brushing
Compression Compression Compression plus donning
device to get them on
Water in, water out, so get enough water
Temperature regulation, below 105 and nothing below zero is
the safe zone
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Ph balanced body lotion stay
moist!
Garden gloves to keep skin intact.
Home manicure set, no spa manicures or pedicures due to infection risk.
Electric shaver no straight razors.
Movement. All body movement moves lymph so keep it going
without overdoing.
Fun release your own natural feel good chemicals, great
for everything.
Meditation, staying
calm and balanced is helpful. Lymphedema can be helped with small lifestyle
changes and a positive attitude.
Clean Diet/ Low carb, salt, sugar and chemical ingredients.
Tape measure, to keep an eye on any possible changes.
Medical ID bracelet to ID the limb affected with L.E Avoid injections and BP cuff.
Partner/ caregiver education in MLD
Professional Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) sessions
regularly.