Exercises & Lymphadenopathy

Jul 11, 2011 | By Grace Wathen

Lymphadenopathy is a condition in which your lymph nodes have grown to abnormal size. If your lymph nodes have grown to more than 1 cm in diameter, this is considered abnormal. At that point, your physician will conduct a biopsy on the lymph node to determine whether the grown is benign or the result of an infection or disease. No exercises have been proven to cure lymphadenopathy, although some exercises might be effective at improving lymphatic fluid circulation, possibly reducing chances of lymph nodes growing to abnormal size. See your doctor before performing exercises for lymphadenopathy.

Neck Rotation

To perform the neck rotation exercise, sit or stand. Turn your head slowly to the right as you inhale and count to five. Slowly return to the center as you exhale. Inhale and turn your head to the left as you count to five. Exhale as you slowly return to center. Repeat up to 10 times. This exercise can be helpful for draining the lymph nodes in the neck.

Shoulder Shrug

To help drain the lymph nodes near the shoulders, try shoulder shrugs. While sitting or standing, lift both shoulders toward your ears while inhaling. Then exhale and relax. On the next inhale, bring your shoulders as far down as possible. Then inhale and relax. Repeat this exercise up to 10 times.

Pelvic Tilt

To perform the pelvic tilt exercise, lie on your back with your knees bent. Using your stomach muscles, slightly tilt your pelvis until your lower back is flat on the floor. Hold and count to 10. Release, rest and repeat up to 10 times. This exercise might be helpful for draining the lymph nodes in the groin area.

Inversions

In yoga, physical stretches are practiced to create well being and balance in the body. To regulate the flow of lymphatic fluid, try practicing an inverted, where your heart in above your head, yoga pose. Examples of yoga inversions would be downward facing dog pose, shoulder stand, headstand, handstand and bridge pose. Consult with an experienced yoga instructor to learn the proper alignment of yoga inversions.