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Exercises to cure lymphedema?

Page last modified on: August 25, 2008

Question from SWoods: Are there exercises that one can do to make lymphedema go away?: Answers —Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.M.: No.; Nicole Gergich, M.P.T., C.L.T.-L.A.N.A. : No, but I would say when exercises are done in the context of a complete decongestive therapy program, they can maximize limb decongestion. Once we have lymphedema, it never goes away. That is vital for people to understand.

On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Preventing and Treating Arm Lymphedema. Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.M.,Nicole Stout Gergich, M.P.T. C.L.T.-L.A.N.A., and moderator Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.S.C. answered your questions about ways to prevent and manage lymphedema.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.M. is assistant professor in the Division of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania and adjunct associate professor in the Division of Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota.

Nicole Stout Gergich, M.P.T., C.L.T.-L.A.N.A.

Nicole Stout Gergich M.P.T., C.L.T.-L.A.N.A. is a physical therapist and lymphedema specialist at the Breast Care Center at the National Naval Medical Center. She is also the president of the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, and has previously served on the Medical Advisory Board and research committee for the National Lymphedema Network.

Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon who directs the newly developed Breast Care Center at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. Among her many interests, Dr. Sabol spearheads several research initiatives to advance the care for women with breast cancer and improve methods of breast cancer detection and treatment.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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