Patient Resources

Guidelines for cancer survivors POST-treatment:

• 150-300 minutes per week of aerobic activity
• 2 days a week of resistance training
• Stretch major muscles groups daily when able

Guidelines DURING treatment:

• 30 minutes 3x/week of aerobic activity
• 2x/week of resistance training
• Stretch major muscles groups daily when able
  (American College of Sports Medicine and International Multidisciplinary Roundtable, 2019)

Precautions:

• Avoid extreme temperatures and constrictive clothing.
• Start low, go slow ( low volume/resistance, slow progression)

Always monitor your individual response to exercise and call your healthcare provider if you notice swelling in your affected territory.

Specific precautions and exercises are indicated following different surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Always follow your physician’s guidelines and consult with a certified lymphedema therapist or cancer rehabilitation physical therapist for individual recommendations.

Michelle@heartofgoldPT.com (805) 840-9407

Examples of Exercise Types and Guidelines: AFTER Treatment:

Aerobic: walk, jog, bike, swim, yoga, tai chi

• 5x/week, 30 minutes of moderate exercise (can still talk while exercising)
• 3x/week, 20 minutes of maximal exercise (talking is difficult while exercising)

Resistance: lifting weights, band resisted or pulleys

• 2x/week, 60-80%+ of 1RM, 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions

Flexibility: stretches

• 10-30 second holds, 2-4 sets

Examples of Exercise Types and Guidelines: DURING Treatment:

Aerobic: walk, stationary bike

• 3x/week, 30 minutes of minimum-moderate exercise as tolerated
  (does not feel like you are working, can still talk easily while exercising)

Resistance: body weight resistance, lifting weights, band resisted or pulleys

• 2x/week, 30-40% of 1RM, 2 sets of 8-12 repetitions

Flexibility: stretches

• 10-30 second holds, 1-2 sets