1. Muscle Strain
   • warm up adequately
   • avoid vigorous movements against resistance (scrubbing, pushing, pulling)
   • use the limb normally, but not excessively
   • avoid heavy lifting if muscles are deconditioned to prevent strains
   • most forms of exercise are safe, but new exercise programs should be initiated gradually and cautiously; limb size should be monitored
   • tennis, golf and racquetball are risky due to sudden forceful strokes
   • compression should always be worn during exercise
2. Sunburn
   • use of a high SPF sunscreen is highly advised over the entire involved limb
3. Overheating
   • be extremely cautious exercising in very hot climates
   • keeping the body adequately hydrated will reduce the risk of edema
   • hot tubs, steam baths and saunas should be avoided
4. Constriction
   • avoid carrying a heavy purse on the involved arm
   • after breast surgery, a lighter weight prosthesis is safest due to pressure on nodes above collar bone
   • avoid clothing with tight wrist and ankle bands
   • wear watch and jewelry on the other arm
   • underclothes should not bind or leave marks
   • avoid blood pressure cuffs and intravenous medicines to involved arm
5. Other
   • elevate affected arm higher than the shoulder as much as possible
   • no classical massage or forceful rubbing
   • avoid mosquito bites
   • avoid scratches, burns, etc. - see skin care handout
6. Meticulous Skin Care
   • see skin care handout

© Tidewater Physical Therapy, Inc.
771 Pilot House Drive, Suite A, Newport News, Virginia 23606
Office: 757-873-2302, Fax: 757-873-2306, email: tpti@visi.net