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The Lebed method was originally created for adults twenty five years ago by Sherry Lebed Davis and her two brothers. Sherry was a dancer and her brothers were both physicians. All three were responding to their mothers need for post operative rehabilitation after undergoing cancer surgery. The method can also be used with patients who have undergone radiation or chemotherapy. The method they created together is a form of movement and dance therapy based on gentle exercises set to music. It does not require dance ability and can be done by anyone however clumsy or unmusical. The idea is for participants to have fun in a safe environment while working at their own pace. Benefits of the system for the participants are pain relief, better balance and greater flexibility and movement range. It also helps to reduce the swelling of lymphedema (a common chronic debilitating condition in which excess fluid collects in tissues and causes swelling). The Lebed method is also suitable for people with Parkinsons Disease, MS, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and Depression. Out of her deep concern for children Sherry Lebed and Dr Marc Lebed developed a program adapted for children. They took the physical and emotional elements from the original adult program and adapted them to successfully meet the needs of children. Sherry Lebed Davis and Dr Marc Lebed realized that children are often forgotten after surgery or other treatments for cancer when it comes to exercising. They need such programs so that they maintain muscle mass, move their lymphatic fluid and give their circulation a boost. Child patients also need help preventing fatigue and depression. Above all they need to be helped to express their fun loving, playful side. The Lebed method for children is an uplifting and empowering exercise and movement program. It consists of lymphatic opening exercises for Mind/ Body, appealing dance music together with a combination of stretches, and dance moves. Costumes and props are also used to help create an emotional as well as physical feeling of well-being. As Sherry Lebed herself expresses it "Music and dance offer an experience of freedom, grace and happiness. I believe that when we move we feel most alive, our hearts soar, and we reclaim ourselves. You're more than a survivor - you are a thriver! This is true with our children as well!"
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