People with lymphedema may have heard conflicting information about whether exercise helps or hurts their condition. Recent studies and guidelines state that exercise can help ease lymphedema symptoms, when performed properly. If you have lymphedema, consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise program to determine what modifications you may need to make.
What is Lymphedema?
The lymphatic system helps rid the body of bacteria, viruses and waste products. It is made up of a network of lymph vessels, which carry the body's "garbage" to lymph nodes, where infection-fighting lymphocytes "take out the trash." When the lymph vessels or lymph nodes are blocked or cut, the fluid in the lymphatic system can't properly drain. This excess fluid builds up, causing swelling and restricted motion, usually in the arms or legs. Lymphedema is often caused by cancer treatment, as surgery or radiation damages lymph nodes while also killing cancer cells. Lymphedema is not curable but it is treatable and symptoms can be managed.
Does Exercise Help?
Exercise can have both helpful and harmful effects in people with lymphedema. Extra blood flow and bodily waste production during exercise increases the demand on the lymphatic system, and exercise can further inflame swollen tissues. However, exercise also increases lymph flow, and better lymph flow can help remove excess fluid from affected areas. Building muscle in the affected area can also ease swelling. Performed properly and gradually, exercise should be part of a lymphedema treatment program.
Exercising With Lymphedema
Specific types of "lymphedemic exercise" are part of complete decongestive therapy, a physical therapy treatment for lymphedema. Patients wear layers of bandages or compression garments to push excess fluid out of the arm or leg while gently moving the affected limb. Outside of complete decongestive therapy, the National Lymphedema Network states that people with lymphedema can safely perform aerobic exercise -- such as walking, jogging or swimming -- and weight training as long as they wear a compression bandage on the affected area, do not exercise to exhaustion and follow recommended modifications.
For Those at Risk of Lymphedema
Many people don't experience symptoms of lymphedema directly after undergoing cancer treatment or other treatments that can cause the condition, but they are still at risk of developing the condition later on. The National Lymphedema Network suggests that people who are at risk of developing lymphedema wear compression garments during exercise to keep any potential lymph drainage problems from worsening. Studies of at-risk exercisers found that aerobic exercise and weight training did not trigger lymphedema symptoms.
