I don't know what level of activity is appropriate now, but it's believed that yoga may help with lymphdemia, as well as light exercise, such as walking, swinging arms above shoulders help with the lymphatic flow. There are more intense activities like swimming, using a trampoline, sauna, and just sweating for those medically and physically capable that are beneficial too.

This question has been asked here before, and elsewhere, with mixed responses about using massage, MLD, to help with neck lymphademia, which can eventually lead to fibrosis if it persists. Some had approval from their doctor, possibly post treatment, or even during treatment, while others have said to waited until declared NED, had your doctors approval, which was my understanding also. Information on this is conflicting, as mentioned above, depending on who, and where it comes from.

I was also concerned with breaking a tumorous cervical lymph capsule besides it spreading via the lymph, blood system as cancer can spread via tissue too. When I was going through my first radiation I kept checking the enlarged lymph, physically showing my RO, and she suggested I leave it alone. I never asked why, but got the message. Later I was concerned more with the carotid artery, having it previously scraped during surgery, along with multiple neck dissections, radiation treatments, and the risk of carotid artery rupture or stroke by massage or manual manipulation, even chiropractor, so I never went for any type. I figured the only one touching my neck is my ENT, but my case may be more unique than others.

As far as lymph nodes, there are supposedly over 300 in the neck, most microscopic, and everyone is different in the amount, and location of them. I had multiple neck dissections, levels ll-V, three that were radical, and just about each time more lymph nodes were removed during surgery, so I assume they never do get them all, and others enlarge, but never asked my doctors about that.

As suggested, I think on should get clearance from their doctor(s), and use a licensed PT, massage therapist. I know the massage has to be done in a certain direction, some in circular motion, different pressure, depending on the area in the head or neck, and not all are the same, so I never did it on myself.