Lymphedema
B: Upper extremity stretches
Aim: this group of exercises helps you to keep your shoulder range of motion in it's functionally and normal range as much as possible.
1. For shoulder flexion
Aim: increase your shoulder range forward
Procedure 1: while you are facing the wall, gradually raise your arm upwards
When you reach the furthest point, push with your trunk against the wall, and hold for 10 seconds, then relax
Procedure 2: while you are lying on your back,
Hold wrist with opposite hand, hold for 10 seconds, and then relax
Repeat 10 times
Procedure 3: while you are in sitting position, with your sound arm hold your affected, and left your arm up as much as you can, hold for 10 seconds, then relax
2. Shoulder abduction
Aim: increase your shoulder range to the side
Procedure: stand beside the wall, raise your arm gradually to the side, and then push your body toward the wall
Repeat 10 times
3. Shoulder external rotation: (chicken wing)
Procedure: do 5 times.
-Bend your arm to a 90 degree angle.
-Place a towel between your arm and the side of your body.
-Keep the towel in place with your elbow as you bring your hand away from your
body, pinching your shoulder blade on the affected side.
-Bring your hand forward again.
4.
Arm turns:
Procedure: Do 5 times.
-Support your arm at shoulder level.
-Start with you arm straight, palm down.
-Turn your palm up.
-Keep turning your arm up as far as you can.
-Do not do this into a painful range.
