Exercise with lymphoedema

Exercise and movement play an important role in both phases of Complex/Complete Decongestive Therapy – a specific treatment for lymphoedema that includes phases of decongestion (Phase I) and maintenance (Phase II).

Regular exercise increases your muscles’ pump activity and thereby improves lymphatic flow. Doing exercise, especially while wearing compression bandages or garments, is an effective way to reduce your lymphoedema. Additionally, exercise helps build muscle strength and maintain a healthy weight, which can enhance your emotional well-being by acting as a natural antidepressant.

The initial goal of regular exercise and movement is to maintain the normal function and mobility of your swollen limb. Depending on your symptoms and the specific causes of your lymphoedema, you can gradually increase your activity levels.

Physiotherapy can improve your mobility and joint function. It also supports lymphoedema treatment after cancer therapy to reduce pain, treat scar tissue, and maintain or restore your limb's function.

Exercise programs for lymphoedema typically combine training to improve flexibility, training to build up or maintain muscle strength, and aerobic exercises.

You can start to implement resistance bands in your training to gradually increase your strength. Training with weights might be an option as well. Good examples of aerobic exercises are yoga, pilates, cycling, or aquatic exercise.

However, since not all exercise programs are suitable for lymphoedema, you should always talk about your exercise plans with your Healthcare Professional before starting.

Consult your Healthcare Professional before you start exercising, as not every type of exercise is suitable for lymphoedema. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind:

• Start slowly and increase slowly. Even if you’ve been exercising before, it’s important to be patient.
• Avoid overexertion, as this can increase your oedema.
• Be sure to always warm up and cool down.
• Avoid hot tubes, saunas, and steam rooms, as these can also increase your swelling.
• Stop your exercise when your limbs feel tired, uncomfortable, or sore.
• Recovery is important. Get your rest and elevate your limbs at night.
• Always wear your compression garments during exercise. One exception is training in water, as this would damage the material of your compression garments.

In addition to exercise, balanced nutrition is a key element of a healthy lifestyle.