Lymphedema and Exercise

Message from Sherry Lebed Davis, founder of the Lebed Method & Exercise Specialist for those with Upper and Lower Lymphedema for COHLF.

In 1980 when the Lebed Method, Focus on Healing program began at Albert Einstein Medical Center it was for women who had any type of breast surgery, node dissection, radiation, chemotherapy, or chronic fatigue. This program was created by Dr. Marc Lebed, Dr. Joel Lebed and myself, a dance movement specialist, to help increase range of motion, decrease frozen shoulder, work with balance issues, decrease depression and pain, reduce swelling of the limb and be lots of fun and create laughter.

In 1996 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and in 1999 I developed Lymphedema during an air flight on a vacation trip with my husband. I was not wearing any preventative garment, and as with so many of us who developed Lymphedema, I had not been told about Lymphedema, how I might prevent it and symptoms to look for. And so my struggle with Lymphedema and what to do became of immense importance to me. In 1999, Dr. Marc Lebed and I developed a portion of the Lebed Method geared toward helping reduce the swelling from Lymphedema. This was to be accompanied by Manual Lymphatic Drainage and bandaging and skin care. This program was introduced at the National Lymphedema Network Conference in Florida that same year. It is now recommended by the National Lymphedema Network, Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation, the International Lymphedema Association, the Dr. Vodder School of North America, and many other national and international Lymphedema organizations.

In the year 2000, the Lebed Method, Focus on Healing, expanded the scope of its' therapeutic exercises and movements to Women and Men with Upper and Lower Lymphedema and all chronic illness. It is my hope that this "Lymphedema" section that will be added to the COHLF Newsletter will assist you in finding information and asking questions regarding exercises for your Lymphedema, that you may have been searching for. Knowledge is power and I hope I can help by directing you to sources of information.

In our book "Thriving After Breast Cancer, Essential Exercises for body and mind", there is the 'basic' Lymphedema opening as well as a chapter on Lymphedema exercising. Also our video" Focus on Healing through Movement and Dance" will help you do a gentle exercise program at home. I am proud to announce that in 2005 Juzo and the Lebed Method will be producing a new video for those with Cancer and Lymphedema with exercises you can do at home. All these products can be found on our website.

Please feel free to email me at info@lebedmethod.com with any questions or thoughts on Lymphedema and Exercise and I will try to answer these questions for you or point you to someone who can. Please put in the subject title of your email: COHLF Question. If you would rather speak by telephone to me, out toll free number is: 1-877-365-6014.

Remember, surviving is important but thriving is elegant.

Sincerely,
Sherry Lebed Davis