Exercise, Load, and Lymphedema: What the Evidence Actually Says

Up to 40% of individuals undergoing axillary lymph node dissection develop breast cancer–related lymphedema, yet many are still advised to permanently restrict upper extremity loading despite strong evidence to the contrary. Research over the past decade—includinghigh-quality trials such as the Physical Activity and Lymphedema Trial—demonstrates that appropriately prescribed resistance and aerobic exercise does not increaseincidence and may reduce symptom severity and flare-ups. Clinicians who fail to update their practice risk perpetuating fear-based deconditioning, functional decline, reduced quality of life, and suboptimal functional outcomes, while those who implement evidence-based load management can improve strength, independence, return-to-work capacity, and overallsurvivorship outcomes. Rehabilitation professionals are now called to move beyond protectionism and toward performance-informed survivorship care.

This workshop will translate current research into immediately applicable, dosage-specific exercise prescription strategies for patients with, or at risk for lymphedema. Participants will learn practical load progression frameworks, symptom-monitoring algorithms, compression decision-making guidelines, and return-to-sport/work planning models throughcase-based discussion and clinical application scenarios. Through evidence synthesis, real-world examples, and structured progression templates, attendees will gain clear clinical reasoning tools they can implement immediately. Upon returning to their clinic, hospital, school, or performance setting, learners will be able to confidently prescribe and progress exercise, reduce unnecessary restrictions, andsupport patients in safely returning to meaningful functional and athletic activities.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers

Highlights

• Evidence-based clinical decision-making using up-to- date, research-backed strategies for safely prescribing and progressing exercise, load management, and functional activities in individuals at risk for or living with lymphedema
• Interdisciplinary strategies to optimize patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary restrictions
• Enhance functional and occupational outcomes
• Translate exercise, range-of-motion, endurance, and task-specific interventions into meaningful improvements in mobility, self-care, communication, feeding, work, and quality of life across diverse clinical populations