Lebed and Lymphedema
A Recovery Program Focusing on Healing Through Gentle Movement
by Rosemary Kelly

What is the Lebed Method?

The Lebed Method (TLM) is an exercise program with a difference. Originally devised for breast cancer survivors, it is designed for people in recovery, taking pain and fatigue into consideration, so that participants can comfortably exercise at their own pace in a supportive and safe environment. The use of chairs is de rigueur (a must) and most exercises can be done while seated or whenever the participant chooses to do so.

The benefits of the program include regaining flexibility, balance, and range of motion after surgery. Participants enjoy sharing information with individuals who have had similar experiences.

About a Lebed Method Class

As it is sometimes difficult to commit to an exercise program when you are juggling doctors appointments and life in general, the program is varied but there is no progression in the sense that one might feel lost if a class is missed. You will feel improvement as you go along though, so you are encouraged to join in whenever you can.

Using music and props such as bubbles, pompoms, leis, beach balls, and feather boas, the classes are gentle, fun, and helpful in order to get moving again. There is an emphasis on lymphedema education, prevention, and management, with laughter and deep breathing playing an important role.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a complex condition that can present in many forms. Some people are born with a defective lymphatic system and suffer from primary lymphedema, while others will develop what is known as secondary lymphedema after surgery and radiation when lymph nodes have been removed. This can occur even many years after surgery because the lymphatic system has been compromised; then one is always at risk.

In all cases the result is a swelling of the affected area (limb, trunk, neck, back, chest wall). Although a permanent condition, the swelling may be managed through special massage (Manual Lymphatic drainage methods such as Vodder, Foldi, Chikly, Casley-Smith, or Norton), bandaging, compression, exercise, and skin and nail care.

For those wishing to know more you can visit www.lymphnet.org and www.bodybgood.ca/bab_article.htm, and you can read “Lymphedema: A Breast Cancer Patient’s Guide to Prevention and Healing” by Jeannie Burt and Gwen White. This is an excellent resource written for the non-medical person and it should be in your local library.

History and Media

Created in 1980 by Sherry Lebed Davis, a former dancer, and her two brothers (both physicians) in response to their mother’s recuperative needs after breast cancer surgery, the program was revamped in 1995 after Sherry herself was diagnosed with breast cancer and lymphedema post surgery. In magazines such as People, MAMM, Cure, and Chatelaine, and in television coverage on NBC, ABC, and BBC, Sherry has been quoted: “Your surgeon says goodbye, your oncologist says goodbye, your radiologist says goodbye… You are left with depression, problems, questions, and instructions to exercise… many people don’t have the motivation or are afraid that they might hurt themselves.” This is why the Lebed Method is such an important piece of the recovery puzzle. It offers information, positive peer support, and guidance with a simple dance routine or two added for good measure. Many therapists report increased compliance with these exercises.

The Lebed Method is currently backed by two studies: the first was published in May 1984 and undertaken by the Physical Therapy Department at the Albert Einstein Medical Centre and the other in 2005 at the University of Connecticut led by Dr. Susan Sandel.

Sherry Lebed Davis’s book, Thriving After Breast Cancer, has been translated into French and a Spanish edition is proposed.

Lebed in the Community / Becoming an Instructor

The simplicity and accessibility of TLM allows people from all walks of life to train in this positive program in order to teach in their communities. Because there is little equipment required it can be a great contribution in remote areas.

The Lebed Method is not a household word but with the dedication of more Canadian instructors and the inspiration of positive feedback and word of mouth, the program is gaining recognition. In Ontario the Lebed Method is taught in cancer support centres such as HopeSpring and Wellspring and at Princess Margaret Hospital (Toronto) for lymphedema patients. This unique recovery exercise program is now taught internationally in England, Ireland, Scotland, Turkey, South Korea, and Mexico. It has also transposed easily to populations such as seniors, children, and people with other cancers and conditions like arthritis, MS, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Rosemary Kelly is a licensed certified Lebed Method instructor (CLM) and a trainer of trainers (CLMT) who lives in Kitchener, Ontario. She was the first CLMT to take the Lebed Method overseas where she taught three groups of British instructors in England in 2005, 2006, and 2007. As a public speaker she has inspired many in her introductory talks about Lebed, Lymphedema, and Laughter at such events as the Lymphovenous Association of Ontario Annual Lymphedema Conference and the MS Society. She will be conducting a Lebed Method Instructor Certification Course in Saskatoon Oct. 13–15. For more information please see the display ad on page 11 of the 13.3 September/October issue of the WHOLifE Journal, visit www.rosemarykelly.ca, email: healthymoves@rosemarykelly.ca, or phone (519) 897-8130.