Exercise Prescription for Lymphatic Health and Lymphedema

Credit

Handouts/Brochure

Speaker

Kelly Sturm, PT, DPT, OnCS, CLT-LANA Related seminars and products

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Kelly Sturm, PT, DPT, OnCS, CLT-LANA, is a physical therapist who received her B.S. in movement science from Winona State University and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the Mayo Clinic. She became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through Klose Training and is certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). In 2019, Kelly became one of the first board-certified oncology clinical specialists in the United States. She has taught in physical therapy programs and is a guest speaker at various conferences, programs, and community groups. Kelly has clinical expertise in the rehabilitation treatment of oncology diagnoses, primary and secondary lymphedema, and pelvic health. Kelly owns Cancer Rehab PT LLC, with engaging educational YouTube and Instagram platforms, bringing awareness and light to lymphedema, oncology rehabilitation, and physical therapy. After meeting many patients who lived in pain for years and assumed it was normal, she started creating content and sharing knowledge online to help those living with and beyond cancer and lymphedema learn how to manage and improve their symptoms. Her goal is to make education available to as many people as possible so more people would have the resources to realize that pain and discomfort are common, not normal, and feel empowered to start making small changes that lead to significant results.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kelly Sturm is the co-owner of The Cancer Rehab Community, LLC. and the owner of Cancer Rehab PT, LLC. She is a paid consultant for Airos Medical, Delfin Technologies, and Prairie Wear. Kelly Sturm receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. All relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations have been mitigated.
Non-financial: Kelly Sturm has no relevant non-financial relationships.

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Objectives

1. Understand the role of exercise in maintaining lymphatic health and managing lymphedema.
2. Identify appropriate exercise modalities for lymphatic stimulation and lymphedema care.

Outline

• Overview of the lymphatic system’s role in fluid balance and immune function
• Pathophysiology of lymphedema: Primary vs. Secondary
• Risk factors and common causes: Cancer, surgery, radiation, trauma
• Impact of exercise on lymphatic circulation and lymph flow
• Importance of early detection and intervention

• Aerobic Exercise: Enhancing overall circulation to promote lymph drainage (walking, cycling, rebounding)
• Resistance Training: Safe weightlifting protocols to prevent exacerbation of lymphedema
• Flexibility and Stretching: Techniques to reduce tissue tightness and fibrosis risk
• Breathing Exercises: Diaphragmatic breathing to stimulate lymphatic flow and promote relaxation
• Aquatic Therapy: Hydrostatic pressure benefits and how water supports lymphatic function

• Assessing baseline health, range of motion, and lymphedema stage
• Creating safe, progressive exercise routines: Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type (FITT principle)
• Use of compression garments during exercise: Guidelines and best practices
• Modifying exercises based on clinical presentations such as limb swelling, fatigue, and scar tissue
• Progress monitoring: Signs of improvement or exacerbation of symptoms

• Exercise interventions for post-breast cancer lymphedema management
• Tailoring exercise to a patient with lower extremity lymphedema
• Contraindications and red flags to consider during exercise
• Collaborative care; The role of physical therapists, lymphedema therapists, and fitness

Target Audience

• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapists Assistants
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• LMT
• CSCS