Focus on Healing Through Movement & Dance: An E-Mail Interview with Sherry Lebed Davis

The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing through Movement and Dance, is a therapeutic exercise program for those who have lymphedema or are at risk for it. The goal of the program is to help participants return to health through the use of smooth, gentle movements that are fun, easy to do, and is suitable for all ages.

Sherry Lebed Davis, who is a dance movement specialist, worked with her two brothers (who are both physicians) to develop this medically sound program as a means of helping their mother recover from breast cancer surgery. The program was later modified and expanded to include the treatment of lymphedema after Sherry was treated for breast cancer 1996 and developed lymphedema in 1999.

Despite a very busy schedule of lecturing and teaching, Sherry agreed to an E-mail interview that gives up an opportunity to learn more about her activities and experiences.

Ann: Sherry, the first things our members are going to want to know is, “How are you doing in controlling your lymphedema?”

Sherry: Ann, I am doing great!

• I keep my Lymphedema under control by doing The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing program three times a week.
• Before playing golf, skiing, any other exercise, or just playing with my grandchildren I do The Lebed Method Lymphatic Opening.
• I do MLD on myself every day in the shower and my husband does a full body MLD with me once a week.
• I also have a special sleeve that I sleep in.

Ann: Since you travel a lot, what precautions do you take when flying?

Sherry: I developed Lymphedema while on an airplane and was not wearing a preventative sleeve. Now I wear my sleeve two hours before any air flight and I keep it on for two hours after my flight. Because of my experience, I recommend that all breast cancer survivors be fitted for a sleeve, and wear it, before and during any air flight!

Ann: The Focus on Healing for Upper and Lower Lymphedema program was created in response to your lymphedema. Since the program’s introduction at the 2000 NLN conference, what have you done to make this program more widely available?

Sherry: There are several ways in which this information is available.

• We have certification trainings across North America where many OT’s, PT’S, massage therapist, lymphedema therapists, and lymphedema patients come to learn our program. Through these training programs, we now have certified instructors in more than 300 locations.
• We have a book Thriving after Breast Cancer: Essential Exercise for Body and Mind and a video of the program Focus on Healing through Movement and Dance. The publisher came up with the title and it is not what I would have chosen because it seems to be so limiting. Actually these products are designed for both men and women with either upper or lower lymphedema. These programs can be used by used at home by those who cannot find a Focus on Healing class in their area.

Ann: Are you planning to create videos for the lymphedema programs and how can someone find more information about these programs?

Sherry: Ann actually we are trying to acquire funds to produce a video of our program just for lymphedema patients, but until such a time, the available book and video are great to decrease swelling just as they are. You can go to my web site at http://www.lebedmethod.com/ to learn more about these items and for a schedule of class times and locations.

Ann: Exercise is an important part of the treatment of lymphedema. How have you designed your program to meet these specialized needs?

Sherry: Our program follows the flow of the lymphatic system in the manner that a lymphedema therapist does during Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to reduce swelling.

• Increasing muscular activity in a slow, smooth, rhythmic manner, improves the flow of lymph.
• Also the stretch and release of the skin during our exercises opens the “drain” and further improves this flow.

Ann: In your experience in working with breast cancer patients, have you observed any type of exercise that appears to help to prevent, or at least to delay, the onset of lymphedema?

Sherry: Yes, we have. We call it SSR, which stands for Slow, Smooth with Resistance. The pattern, and the way we do our exercises, helps the flow of the lymphatic system. It also stretches and eases scar tissue and increases flexibility.

Ann: I noticed on your web site that you have a CD of drumming. Can you tell us more about how this fits with the exercise programs?

Sherry: Some people were stuck on what music to use when working with the book. Some of our Certified and Licensed Lebed Method teachers also wanted music that would go with the class. So the Drums Only CD was created to provide music that goes perfectly with the exercises and is great to listen and move to.

Ann: What makes The Lebed Method different than other exercise programs and who recommends this program for those with Lymphedema?

Sherry: Our program is 24 years old and was one of the first Hospital based programs of its kind. Today many lymphedema therapists and other allied health professionals recognize the benefits of the program and recommend it to their patients. On our http://www.lebedmethod.com/ web site you can lean more about the broad acceptance this program has received.

Ann: You’ve been conducting these programs, and training teachers, for many years now. What do you find to be the most satisfying part of these experiences?

Sherry: My greatest satisfaction is hearing from people from all over the country who say that The Lebed Method has changed their lives for the better, both only physically and emotionally. This is what The Lebed Method is about – being able to help people have a better quality of life!

Ann: Sherry, thank you for sharing with us. These programs sound like an excellent way in which many lymphedema patients, both men and women, can enjoy getting the exercise that is so important to their well being. I enjoyed visiting the www.lebedmethod.com web site to learn more and I’m certain others will find this interesting too.

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Category: Interviews