Breast cancer is very prevalent in today’s world. Many women (and men) are diagnosed with breast cancer and go through various treatments to combat the effects of this cancer. The treatment involved could include anything from chemotherapy to radiation to even surgery. Sometimes treatment involves all three. In women, breast cancer is very common. Many women are currently going through treatment or have had a history of said cancer in the past.
A common effect of breast cancer is lymphedema.
Lymphedema is an excess accumulation of protein rich fluid that is not drained properly via the lymphatic system. This then leads to pain, regional swelling, tightness, heaviness, and even a decreased range of motion leading to impairments in gross or fine motor skills.
Lymphedema when not treated early enough or properly can lead to a decreased quality of life and will impair the individual’s ability to participate in life.
However, amazing physicians and clinicians (big shout out to Women’s health PTs and certified Lymphedema therapists) will help these patients combat these effects! Treatments are very much team-oriented and holistic incorporating decongestive therapy, exercise, compression, etc. (I am not a lymphedema certified clinician)
In the past, physicians and clinicians alike have told breast cancer survivors to not participate in any upper body exercise or resistance training. And more and more research is coming out that this is not what we should be telling people. Exercise and resistance programs for the upper body, when properly supervised, can lead to decreasing the risk of deconditioning of the affected arm as well as improving function. Studies have not shown that resistance training and exercises would increase or exacerbate the lymphedema limb or cause lymphedema.
Overall, resistance training alone or resistance exercise plus aerobic exercise (which is what I usually give to patients) appears to be effective for patients at risk for breast cancer related lymphedema or for those who currently have it.
If someone has breast-cancer related lymphedema and is interested in beginning a resistance program, it should be supervised or instructed by a health professional with experience in oncology care.
Additionally, if you do have lymphedema it is best to wear a compression sleeve when you exercise, maintain hydration, and avoid extreme heat.
Resistance training has been proven to improve muscular strength and power, improve quality of life, and improve overall functional independence. It is important to maintain activity levels and strength especially if one is combatting the effects of cancer or is an active cancer survivor.
You should not be afraid to incorporate strength training into your exercise routine whether you have lymphedema or are afraid of developing lymphedema. The research out there shows that when supervised and done correctly, there is no increased risk of worsening the lymphedema.
Now, I am not saying you should go out to Planet Fitness and squat 350 pounds
or try to do 15 pull ups.
It is okay to start exercising that arm again (unless contraindicated after a recent mastectomy or surgery) eventually with or without the lymphedema. And like with anything, start slow and progress slowly. Focus on form rather than the w
eight you are lifting.
I would rather you get stronger as a complete whole than end up extremely weak in one arm. I want you to be strong. Be confident. Be YOU again.
If you (or a loved one) are having some side effects after going through chemotherapy or radiation, and interested in combating discussed effects, please reach out! I am here to help, educate, and do whatever I can to help or at least provide you with information (refer to someone else) if I cannot help! You are a breast cancer survivor! However, oftentimes, the battle is not completely done. You migh
t have bigger goals and want to get that active lifestyle back. And I am here to help!!!
Thank you and thanks for stopping by!
Kelly
*****Medical disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this website and channel is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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