Healthy Steps - The Lebed Method

What is Healthy Steps - The Lebed Method?

Healthy Steps - The Lebed Method is ‘a focus on wellbeing through movement and dance’, is a therapeutic exercise and movement program originally established for people diagnosed with breast cancer to help regain and maintain range of motion, balance, both physically and emotionally, and improve ‘frozen shoulder’. It was developed by Sherry Lebed Davis, a movement specialist and by Dr Marc Lebed and Dr Joel Lebed in 1980 at the Albert Einstein Medical Centre in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

To assist with lymphoedema and to improve the lymphatic function, Healthy Steps - The Lebed Method has a special group of exercises that are done at the beginning of every class. The Lebed Method Lymphatic Opening exercises follow the pattern of Manual Lymphatic Drainage done by the Lymphatic Therapist (MLD).

How can it help?

It may help improve range of motion, posture and balance, increase upper and lower body mobility, reduce swelling and frozen shoulder, increase positive body image and quality of life for breast cancer survivors, during and post treatment at any stage. It may assist with the prevention of lymphoedema and those with lymphoedema.

All movements in Healthy Steps - The Lebed Method are gentle and smooth against resistance/pumping and releasing. This helps with the movement of the lymphatic fluid called lymph in the affected areas.

What happens in a class?

A class usually lasts for one and a half hours and starts with the lymphatic opening, which takes from ten to fifteen minutes. This sequence is an important part of the class, and is always done in the same way – it is therefore important to be there at the beginning of the class. There is no floor work, so no risk of full body weight being applied to an affected arm and all movements can be done seated or standing, and a chair is always used, for seated exercises, balance and also rest. Movements are based on dance and physiotherapy exercises and music plays an important part; we like to feel like we are dancing, although foot work is actually minimal. Classes are fun and props are sometimes used in different dance type routines, making the sessions light–hearted although the exercises are carefully planned. Water breaks are scheduled for client interaction, rehydration and rest. A limb must never be over tired. Upper body stretches and movements are important to achieve the necessary therapeutic results.

Recommended number of sessions

Healthy Steps - The Lebed Method is usually run as a course of four-six weeks and to attend all is ideal, you will then have learnt many of the exercises and will be able to practice at home to your own music. It is encouraged that the opening lymphatic sequence is learnt and done at least three times a week. Continuing on an ongoing basis is very beneficial. Attending once will give an idea of a safe and therapeutic way to exercise.

When can I come to Healthy Steps - The Lebed Method?

Following surgery, you will be able to participate in the class when given permission by your doctor to start exercising again.