REMEDIAL EXERCISE:
Exercises are performed with the bandages or the support garment in place.

* Exercise increases lymph vessel activity.
* Exercise improves lymph circulation.

Exercise is an important part of staying healthy. Keep body weight
at optimal levels. Obesity can hinder your progress.

* If you experience discomfort in the limb at risk,
   elevate the limb, and cut back on your activity.
* Avoid lifting more than 20 pounds with an affected
   upper extremity unless specific strengthening exercises
   have been initiated under the supervision of a qualified
    professional.
* Swim, walk or do specially prescribed exercises. Discuss
    all forms of exercise with your therapist.
* Talk to your therapist about exercises and activities that have
   been shown to increase the likelihood of the onset
   of lymphedema in some people.
* Repetitive and/or vigorous movements of the involved
    extremity should be carefully monitored at work or leisure.
* For lower extremities, avoid prolonged sitting, or any activity
    that will restrict lymph flow at the site of the lymph nodes
    especially behind the knee and in the groin area. Try to change
    position frequently during the daytime hours.

TYPES OF EXERCISE:
There are components of exercise Resistance Training, Aerobics
and Flexibility.

RESISTANCE TRAINING
Resistance training is the name that is used to cover all types of “strength” or “weight training” programs. These are all weight bearing exercises that stress and breakdown your peripheral muscles. You can use your body or any external resistance device such as dumbbells, a jug of water or gym equipment.

Benefits of resistance training:
* Lifts and tone the body
* Increases bone density
* Helps against osteoporosis and improves posture Examples:
* Push-ups
* Sit-ups
* Heel raises
* Free Weights

AEROBIC EXERCISE
Cardiovascular exercise is continuous rhythmic use of large muscle groups in a weight-bearing manner at sufficient frequency, distance and intensity. Aerobics are the only exercise that changes metabolism and chemistry in enough ways to bring about a wide range of health gains. Duration of an aerobic session is 20-60 minutes of any physical activity. This includes housework such as house work, yard work, swimming, cycling or walking. The idea is to keep moving and have fun.
Listen to your body! DO NOT PUSH YOURSELF.

Benefits of Aerobic exercise:
* Strengthens the heart, thereby reducing resting heart rate
* Helps lower body fat
* Improves cardiovascular condition
* Strengthen the immune system
* Lowers blood pressure and total cholesterol
* Reduce stress
* Improve ability and stamina

FLEXIBILITY (STRETCHING)
Flexibility can be defined as the ability of a joint to move through an optimum Range of Motion (ROM). It combats stiff muscles and joints.
Benefits of Stretching:
* Reduction of low-back pain and injury
* Improvement in posture and muscle symmetry
* Prevention and alleviation of muscle soreness after exercise
* Increase in the level of certain skills and muscular efficiency
* Promotion of mental relaxation
* Stress reduction Examples:
* Warm up/cool down routines before any exercise
* Yoga
* Stretching routines before household and work duties
* “Stretch Breaks”