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Linda,
I have lymphedema in my left arm, but have pretty good mobility. Some range of motion exercises that have helped me:
Standing with the uneffected hand on your hip, bend forward and swing the affected arm in gentle circles, first one way and then the other...pretending you're an elephant helps you get in the "swing" of it!
Standing flush against a wall, raise the uneffected arm up as high as it will go and place your palm flat against the wall. Slowly "spider walk" your other hand up the wall as high as you can until you feel it hurt a little, then back off a bit and hold to the count of 10. Bring the arms down, count to 10 and repeat several times. Try to do this 3-4 times a day, with the goal being to bring the affected arm up a little higher each day.
Pretend you're washing windows, or even actually wash some windows if you need to! The overhead circular motion is very therapeudic.
Once you gain more motion and less stiffness and soreness, you have to continue to keep the arm and shoulder limber through ongoing activities and exercises, or things will stiffen up again.
Sure hope this helps!
Hugs, Lolly
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