Top 3 Lymphedema Arm Exercises

In the video above, the physical therapists explain the top 3 exercises for people suffering from lymphedema in their arms.

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing

This is deep breathing where you push out your belly button while you are taking a breath in.  You can do it sitting, lying down, or standing up.  You want to do these a minimum of 3 times a day with 10 repetitions.  Try to do them as often as you can think of throughout your day.

2. Chicken Wing

Flapping your arms like a chicken (like doing the chicken dance).  There are a lot of lymph nodes in your arm pits that carry a lot of fluid.  Getting the fluid to go from your arms to your abdomen where it will be expelled out.  These can seem a bit silly to do, but they are effective.  You want to do these a minimum of 3 times a day with 10 repetitions as well.

3. Squeezing Your Shoulder Blades Together

Try to pinch your shoulder blades together and then relax.  This will help keep fluid moving in your upper back.  Same schedule as the other 2, minimum of 3 times a day with 10 repetitions each.

These exercises will help people with lymphedema get fluid out of their arms.

If you suffer from lymphedema and need garments, or your doctor has prescribed you a compression sleeve or other compression garment, click here to find out location closest to you.  We can help you get properly fitted for your garment and check with your insurance company to see what is covered.