By Susi Hately, B.Sc. Kinesiology

There are 4 key factors that I find support someone who is recovering from cancer and moving into better movement, better function and less pain:

• Rest
• Breathe
• Good Movement with as Little Compensation as Possible
• Getting on Your Feet

This list is bulleted because these 4 factors don’t follow a specific order. The aim is to work where you can be aware. When you are aware, there is less of a chance that you will force, and you will more easily sense the in and out of your breath (and any breath holding). You’ll also have a greater feel of how you are moving and if you are compensating which will make being on your feet less tiring and more fulfilling.

Your Exercise: Playing with Standing and Balance

We’ve worked the first 3 bullet points so far. Now it is time to come to your feet while also keeping in mind what you have already learned. I’ve also added a short bit about over-efforting and the impact of over-efforting on lymphedema.

Until next week,

Susi