Do's and Don'ts of Exercise after Lymphoma Surgery

The latest research shows that exercise can reduce the recurrence and metastasis rate of lymphoma and improve the five-year survival rate. Lymphoma patients should not exercise too vigorously in general, but it is best to sweat a little every day. Gentle exercises such as walking and Tai Chi are suitable for most cancer patients. However, some cancer patients have slightly different exercise methods.

(1) If there are no contraindications after surgery, the patient should get out of bed and move around after 1 to 7 days, i.e., early ambulation. The patient can be supported by family members to walk around the ward to promote the recovery of body functions.

(2) If the surgical trauma is severe and the patient has poor physical strength and cannot get out of bed, the patient can do limb exercises and turn over in bed.

(3) If your body recovers well, you can gradually increase the amount of exercise and change the content of your exercise, from walking, qigong, tai chi to aerobics and even jogging.

Among the rehabilitation exercises for cancer patients, the first thing worth recommending is walking. It does not require much exercise and is simple and easy to do. It is not limited by time, space and other conditions. Except for bedridden patients, all cancer patients can choose this form of exercise. Walking can be done at any time regardless of the season. In spring, walking on the grass, in summer, walking by the river, in autumn, admiring the lotus pond, and in winter, walking in the pine forest, each has its own fun and can relax your mind.

Lymphoma cancer patients stay in bed for a long time, and their bodies are in a state of disuse, which will cause joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. The longer the bed rests, the longer it takes to recover. In this case, patients can be asked to do some health exercises in bed step by step that are suitable for their physical strength and endurance.