Exercise - good or bad? I always wear compression but doesn't seem to help a great deal?

[KMDB]

[Hexham]

It does. Walking certainly helps me - especially when I am wearing the compression wraps.

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Hi KMDB.

Thanks for the question - The lymphatic system, unlike the blood system which has the heart, does not have a pump that makes it work. The only thing that activates the lymphatic system is movement. Movement of the skin activates the superficial lymphatics allowing them to 'collect' the lymph fluid. Joint and muscle movement get the deeper lymphatics working and deep breathing gets the deepest lymphatics working. So movement on all these levels is vital. That being said movement rather than exercise is the key that is why programmes such as Lebed actually are very gentle but often effective. Of course exercise is also very important for weight control and general good health but it is important to build any programme up - start gently and slowly and increase once you are confident that it is not having a negative effect on your swelling. An always ask your GP or practitioner before starting any new activity and let your instructor know that you are living with, or at risk of developing lymphoedema. Exercise/movement is something that the LSN are currently looking into to see if there is more help/information we can provide to help so watch this space.

[KMDB]

Is exercise not one of the cornerstones of lymphedema? Before my pregnancy I was very active and through most of my pregnancy until 6 weeks to go. I was still walking then. So exercise is key to me. I wondered what patients had experienced and what exercise they do?

[AnneBury]

Wearing my compression stockings means that my legs are much more comfortable at the end of my dancing sessions. I didn't wear them when I was younger but wouldn't go without now (its is much more comfortable and far less heavy and achy to wear them - but can get a bit hot & sweaty!).

[suzie_danger_girl]

Swim swim swim swim swim swim swim! Or if you really can't swim, walk in the water or aqua aerobics. The light pressure of the water will not only stop you swelling but will help the fluid come off (you may need to take a visit out of the pool ). Theres no impact so it will pritect your joints. Deep breathing that you do in there also helps. Its thr best exercise I've found for le. Pilates is also great, when I've been I can feel the lymph moving, it seems to open up the pathways. Presently I do synchronised swimming, its very hardcore its like upside down pilates in a pool! But it REALLY works I've lost about half a stone of le so far this year mostly from my hips and thighs presently.

Body pump is another good class, because you use low weights high reps and no impact. This helped move the lymph, but also build a core of muscle that's making it easier to push against to get the lymph off.

Whatever you do NO IMPACT for your knees. The huge weight of the le means you can wear out your knees much more quickly then anyone else. I stopped doing walking for lymoh for this reason and tbh it just seems to make me swell everywhere, but either way never walk without amazing protective trainers and your compression.

But I personlly tried most exercise and I can not tell you enough times swim. I also go in the jaccuzi after because that helps too but I don't recommend that it may not be ok for some people and be super careful its not too hot.

[Chetanna00]

I think exercise as well as diet does help significantly. I did spinning 3 times a week and although i only lost half a stone in 6 months, my leg measurements ( i have primary lymphoedema on my left leg) went down by 20% during that time. I was able to wear stockings a size smaller and able to fit into normal shoes and start wearing skirts. Towards the end of the day, there was barely any difference between my two ankles because the exercise helped my lymphatic system become more efficient.

I'd definitely recommend it, but listen to your body and try not to overdo it as it could make it worse.

good luck!

[KMDB]

Hi chetanna - thanks for this. Do you follow a special diet? You are the same as me primary left leg Only. When we're you diagnosed? Might try the old bike.

[KMDB]

Hi suzie. I swim once a week in my work lunch hour. The other day I have Mld in my lunch hour. The days I don't work I walk every day for around an hour as I have two dogs. I ride as often as I can but not easy with a two year old. My leg has improved since the stent went in as it was 48% bigger now it's 18% that's in a year. Maybe I am expecting things too quickly but that's taken a year with bandaging every twi months.