Futurity.org ? After cancer, exercise eases swollen limbs

After reviewing studies on how cancer survivors with lymphedema can manage their symptoms, the researchers recommend full-body exercise and a comprehensive treatment called complete decongestive therapy (CDT). (Credit: Veer)

U. MISSOURI / VANDERBILT / NYU (US) ? New research identifies the two best options for managing a chronic swelling condition that affects almost 40 percent of breast cancer survivors.

A cure for lymphedema does not exist, so individuals with the condition must find ways to manage the symptoms throughout their lifetimes. The condition causes body limbs to swell from fluid buildup as a result of lymph node removal and radiation therapy.

Now, a team of researchers and clinicians working with a University of Missouri lymphedema expert has found that full-body exercise and complete decongestive therapy (CDT) are the best ways for patients to minimize their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

?There?s a sense of empowerment?of autonomy?that comes from meeting the challenge of living with lymphedema,? says Jane Armer, nursing professor.

?Some breast cancer survivors say that they?ve become a new person after cancer because they met a challenge, and they like the stronger person they?ve become. The challenge of lymphedema is similar. It?s something that is pervasive in every part of life. It takes problem solving and persistence to manage the condition without letting it interfere with their goals.?

Armer and her colleagues reviewed published research about lymphedema self-management in order to determine which practices were most effective in managing the condition.

The researchers found that full-body exercise, such as weight lifting and stretching, was likely to be effective in minimizing lymphedema symptoms.

In addition, the researchers concluded that complete decongestive therapy (CDT), a comprehensive treatment approach that incorporates skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging of swollen limbs, also helps patients effectively manage the condition.

?Previous research suggests that, the earlier the interventions, the better the outcomes,? Armer says. ?If patients can learn how to successfully manage the condition early on, then they can continue those processes throughout their lives, and their outcomes will be better than those of individuals who resist participating in self-care.?

Armer is a professor in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing and director of nursing research at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. The literature review is published in Nursing Research, and was led by nurse colleagues Sheila Ridner of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, and Mei Fu, associate professor at New York University College of Nursing.

Source: University of Missouri

Source: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/after-cancer-exercise-eases-swollen-limbs/

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