If you have lymphedema, exercise is one of the best things you can do. When your muscles contract, they squeeze the lymph vessels and help move fluid out of the limb. Staying active also helps with weight, strength, flexibility, energy and mood. Patients used to be told to avoid lifting with an affected arm. Research has changed that advice: in a well-known 2009 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, women with breast cancer–related lymphedema who did slowly progressed weight training had no increase in swelling and fewer flare-ups than women who didn't exercise.
How to wear your garments during exercise
Wear your daytime garment while you exercise, unless your therapist tells you otherwise. Compression gives your muscles something firm to push against, which helps move fluid. Some studies suggest not everyone needs it for every workout, so ask your therapist what's right for you.
Put it on before you start, not partway through, and make sure it's smooth with no wrinkles at the elbow, wrist, knee or ankle.
Wear your hand piece too. If you have a sleeve with a separate gauntlet or glove, wear both when lifting or gripping, so fluid isn't pushed into the hand.
Keep it on for a while afterward. Swelling can rise right after a workout as your body cools down.
Swimming is the exception. Water itself gives gentle, even pressure, so most people swim without garments. Put your garment back on soon after you dry off.
Rinse or wash it after a sweaty workout. Sweat breaks down the elastic. Having two garments makes this easy.
Good types of exercise
Walking. Easy to start, and your calf muscles act as a natural pump for your legs.
Cycling or an elliptical for steady, low-impact cardio that keeps legs moving.
Swimming and water exercise. Water pressure works like gentle compression, and it's easy on joints. Keep the water warm, not hot.
Strength training with light weights or resistance bands, increased slowly. Many people use a slow, progressive program guided by a therapist.
Stretching, yoga and tai chi to keep joints flexible. Gentle poses that raise the limb can help drainage.
Deep breathing. Slow belly breathing helps move lymph fluid through the chest and abdomen. It's a good warm-up or cool-down.
Tips to start safely
Check with your doctor or lymphedema therapist before starting a new program, especially after surgery or radiation. A certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) can design a program that fits your condition.
Start low and go slow. Begin with light weights or short sessions and build up a little at a time.
Warm up and cool down for 5–10 minutes.
Take breaks and drink water. Avoid getting overheated, which can increase swelling. Exercise in a cool place and skip hot tubs and saunas.
Protect your skin. Wear gloves for weights, proper shoes for walking, and clean any scrapes right away.
Raise the limb afterward. Elevating your arm or leg after a workout can help fluid drain.
Pay attention to your limb during and after exercise, and the next day.
When to ease off
Stop and scale back if your limb feels heavier, tighter or achy, looks more swollen after a workout, or changes in skin color or temperature. Go back to the last level that felt fine and build up more slowly, and check with your provider if extra swelling doesn't go down after rest. Call your doctor right away if the limb becomes red, warm or painful, or you have a fever. These can be signs of infection.
Is your garment ready for exercise?
A garment that slides, rolls or bunches when you move won't do its job. If yours does, it may be worn out or the wrong size. A Certified Compression Therapist at Midwest Compression can re-measure you in Richland, MI. We carry compression sleeves, gauntlets, stockings and wraps from Juzo, Sigvaris, Medi, Jobst and L&R, including breathable options for active wear. Call (800) 883-1549, text (517) 657-5223 or email customersupport@midwestcompression.com, or read How to Care for Your Compression Garments.
Helpful resources
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or lymphedema therapist before starting an exercise program.
