Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid collects in the body's tissues, usually causing severe swelling in a person's arm or leg. Sometimes lymphedema develops because of abnormalities in the body's blood vessels; other times it occurs after surgery for skin, breast, prostate, gynecological or other types of cancer surgery. Exercise cannot cure lymphedema, but doctors often recommend it as part of a program to reduce fluid buildup in the body.
Complete Decongestive Therapy
Doctors often prescribe people with lymphedema a complete decongestive therapy (CDT) program, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. This program includes four components: manual lymph drainage, a type of massage to make it easier for the body to remove fluid; compression therapy, which involves wearing garments that put firm pressure on the blood and lymph vessels; skin and nail care; and decongestive exercises. When doing the decongestive exercises, a person with lymphedema moves the affected body part through range-of-motion exercises while wearing compressive bandages. This helps the body carry the extra lymph fluid away from the arm or leg.
Aerobic Exercise
According to the National Lymphedema Network, aerobic exercise may improve the flow of fluid in people with lymphedema. Exercise also aids in cardiovascular health and weight management. Lymphedema patients may benefit from aerobic activities such as walking, biking, swimming, dance, golf, yoga or tennis. Water exercises, such as aquatic aerobics, may be especially helpful for people with lymphedema since the water stimulates the lymph and blood vessels and improves fluid flow.
Weight Lifting
Weight lifting improves strength and reduces worsening of lymphedema symptoms and flare-ups, reported an August 2009 study in the "New England Journal of Medicine." The study found that women who experienced arm lymphedema after breast cancer surgery and lifted weights twice a week fared better than those who didn't exercise. People who have lymphedema should start lifting light weights and gradually increase them, and their doctors should monitor them closely for increased swelling or injury.
Stretching and Flexibility Exercises
Gentle stretching and flexibility exercises, especially those exercises that focus on improving range of motion, may help fluid flow in people with lymphedema, according to the National Lymphedema Network. As with other exercises, a person with lymphedema should wear compression garments or sleeves while doing these stretches so that fluid does not accumulate.
Precautions
Before starting any exercise program, people with lymphedema should check with their doctors to obtain medical clearance. Begin exercising slowly, and avoid using the arm or leg with lymphedema too much. Also, doctors recommend wearing compression garments while exercising, unless a person with lymphedema is swimming or doing water aerobics. Exercisers should also avoid tight sports bras, shorts or underwear that could restrict the body's lymphatic flow.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Complete Decongestive Therapy
- Lymphnet.org: Position Statement of the National Lymphedema Network
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; Weight Lifting in Women with Breast-Cancer--Related Lymphedema; Kathryn H. Schmitz, Ph.D., et al.; Aug. 2009
- Lymphnotes: Exercise and Lymphedema
- Lymphnotes: Water Exercises for Lymphedema
