Abreast In Australia 2007 - Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                   June 3, 2007

THE LEBED METHOD (TLM) will launch its first training to certify instructors in Australia in September, hosted by Dragons Abreast Australia.   In a recent clinical study it has been found that The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing Through Movement and Dance program was shown to have a significant positive effect on psychological wellbeing and quality of life for breast cancer survivors. A research study on TLM for Breast Cancer Survivors, from the University of Connecticut USA, was presented at the National Institutes of Health and American Cancer Society Conference in Washington DC in July 2004.  These findings were published in Cancer Nursing (Vol. 28, No. 4, 2005), and represent the first formal scientific study of The Lebed Method (TLM). Detailed clinical studies, video clips, and information to register for TLM certification training are at www.healingtherapy.us.

After being treated for breast cancer with chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery, women commonly face many challenges such as depression, decreased range of motion in the shoulder area, balance issues, and Lymphoedema. A pilot study of TLM followed 35 women who were treated for breast cancer at two cancer centres in USA, and later participated in a 12-week Lebed Method dance movement program. The study concluded that this program addressed the physical and emotional needs of women following treatment for breast cancer and “substantially improved a breast cancer–specific quality-of-life measure” among all participants.  TLM also benefits those with fibromyalgia, MS, and other chronic illnesses.

TLM was developed in 1980 by Sherry Lebed Davis, a breast cancer survivor and dance movement specialist, in consultation with two physicians, and was the first hospital-based program of its kind. Originally designed for women who had breast surgery, node dissection, chemotherapy, radiation, Lymphoedema, or chronic fatigue, TLM has been adopted in 600+ hospitals in 12 countries to improve quality of life for men, women and children.  Based in sound physiotherapy, TLM removes traditional physiotherapy movements from a sterile setting, translates the movements into simple dance and exercise language set to uplifting music, and adds costume props to create an environment of laughter and fun.  This program is unique in that the “Lymphatic Opening” movements follow the same sequence as Manual Lymphatic Drainage.  Lymphoedema therapists are trained to incorporate TLM in one-on-one therapy for their patients and achieve measurable positive results.       

TLM is recommended by the National Lymphoedema Foundation (USA) and many cancer organizations. The Dr. Vodder School of North America has added TLM for those with Upper and Lower Lymphoedema their advanced review course, and this is the exercise program of choice for all their hospitals.

Cost is AUD$825.00. Successful completion of the course will give the participant certification to work with adults and children in this training and licensing until January 2009.  Registration is open to all and a medical background is not required.

To make a difference in your community, register now for TLM training, 25-28^th September, 2007 in Caloundra, Queensland.

For further information, email nationalcoordinator@dragonsabreast.com.au  - 0418 898082 or Heather Ruck, Certified Lebed Trainer  hjruck@earthlink.net   www.healingtherapy.us