Q: What type of exercises can you do with Lymphedema?

I was asked this question and have to say that exercises will be different for every individual with lymphedema. You have to know your limits. Basically low impact exercises are best and all exercises should be done wearing your compression garments.

Hey, summers coming! Remember there is one fun and enjoyable activity for all and is especially good for people with lymphedema…

SWIMMING

***I have taken the below information form my own lymphedema doctor’s website www.lymphedema-therapy.com. Here is the link if you want to read the whole thing: Lymphedema and Exercises.

Certain types of exercise are considered higher risk

Of course, certain types of exercise are considered higher risk than others for individuals with lymphedema. For example, high speed activities like tennis, bowling and racquetball, place more stress on the upper limb while jogging, stair-climbing machines, downhill skiing, water skiing, football, soccer place more stress on the lower extremities or have higher injury risk than other activities such as swimming, brisk walking, and cycling. That is not to say that someone with lymphedema of the leg should not jog for exercise, or that the person with lymphedema of the arm and hand should not play tennis or golf.

Things to consider regarding lymphedema and exercise

• Many men and women with lymphedema or a limb at risk want to work out with weights. A slow progression of light weights can be done safely and can allow an individual to develop good strength and power in any muscle group.
• The important thing to consider is whether you feel good after the exercise and how your affected limb reacts after you exercise.
• You must also consider your level of daily activity and modify accordingly – if you have had a particularly difficult day and your affected limb is more swollen, you may choose to do a different activity i.e. swim instead of walk, or you may realize that the best activity for that day is to rest with your limb elevated.
• The importance of deep abdominal breathing exercise should not be overlooked. Deep breathing enhances the pumping in the thoracic duct (the major lymphatic vessel draining the lower body and the left upper trunk/arm/hand).