Balance Exercises To Help Those With Lymphedema

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com/

Balance exercises can help not only athletes, seniors, people with orthopedic conditions but also individuals with Lymphedema. Please see  http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Lymphedema is a painful and debilitating condition that includes swelling of an extremity. Lymphedema most often occurs when lymphatic fluid accumulates in the soft tissue structures in the arm or leg. Lymphedema typically occurs after surgery or radiation, especially following cancer treatments. Statistics reveal that Lymphedema effects 2.5 million individuals in the United States. Cancer patients and cancer survivors are the largest group of individuals with Lymphedema. The cure for Lymphedema is unknown, but there are approaches that help to manage the symptoms. Lymphedema is caused by a blockage in your lymphatic system, an important part of your immune and circulatory systems. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and as the fluid builds up, the swelling continues. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes that serve to filter the lymph and remove waste, after which the lymph enters the bloodstream. If the lymph nodes or vessels are damaged secondary to surgery or radiation, lymphatic fluid may accumulate in the surrounding tissues, which results in the swelling, discomfort, loss of function, loss of mobility and balance problems. Additional symptoms of Lymphedema include:

• Swelling of part of your arm or leg or your entire arm or leg, including your fingers or toes

• A feeling of heaviness or tightness in your arm or leg

• Restricted range of motion in your arm or leg

• Aching or discomfort in your arm or leg

• Recurring infections in your affected limb

• Hardening and thickening of the skin on your arm or leg

• Difficulties with using the limb which can lead to problems with dressing, grooming, walking, balance

Balance Exercises To Assist Those With Lymphedema

Balance exercises can be a great first step towards starting an essential fitness program for those folks who have problems with Lymphedema in their lower extremities. Presently, there is no cure for Lymphedema, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. Gentle exercises, including walking and stability exercises, are vital for those with Lymphedema. Exercise is essential for those with Lymphedema not only to limit weight gain, which is critical, but also to assist with the circulation in the extremities. People with Lymphedema should begin with balance exercises to develop adequate balance abilities to then progress to a walking program. Additionally, when balance skills are adequate, the person with Lymphedema can gradually add duration and intensity to their fitness program to maximize their results. To get you started, you can practice specific balance exercises in the comfort of your own home with the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    For all who have lymphedema, begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The  Balance DVD is designed for you to use at home or in a group setting. The DVD is complete with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, balance techniques and balance routines from a balance trainer (licensed Physical Therapist) who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

For those with Lymphedema, start balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/