For many years, people living with lymphoedema were often advised to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting because of concerns that physical activity could make their swelling worse.
However, research and clinical practice have changed our understanding of exercise and lymphoedema.
Today, appropriate physical activity is recognised as an important part of lymphoedema management. When introduced gradually and tailored to individual needs, exercise can help improve muscle strength, mobility and overall wellbeing, while supporting the movement of lymphatic fluid.
So, how does exercise help, and what types of movement are suitable?
How Does Movement Help the Lymphatic System?
Unlike blood circulation, which relies on the heart to pump blood around the body, the lymphatic system depends on several mechanisms to move fluid through its network of vessels.
One important mechanism is the muscle pump.
When muscles contract during everyday activities such as walking, lifting or bending the legs, they create pressure around nearby lymphatic vessels. This helps move lymph fluid through the system towards the lymph nodes.
Deep breathing and changes in pressure within the chest also help support lymphatic flow.
This means regular movement can play a useful role in managing lymphoedema, rather than needing to be avoided altogether.
What Types of Exercise Can Help?
Different forms of exercise offer different benefits. A suitable program may combine three main types of activity:
1. Strength Training
Progressive resistance exercises can help build muscle strength and support everyday movement. Research suggests that appropriately prescribed strength training can be safe for many people with lymphoedema and does not generally worsen swelling.
Exercises may include light resistance training, sit-to-stand movements and other activities suited to a person's abilities.
2. Aerobic Exercise
Activities such as walking, cycling and swimming encourage regular muscle movement and support cardiovascular fitness.
Swimming may offer an additional benefit because water creates gentle external pressure around the body. However, the most suitable activity will depend on individual comfort, mobility and health.
3. Flexibility and Stretching
Gentle stretching helps maintain joint movement and flexibility, particularly when swelling or tissue tightness makes everyday activities more difficult.
Maintaining mobility can make it easier to walk, reach, dress and complete other daily tasks.
How Can You Exercise Safely With Lymphoedema?
Although exercise is beneficial for many people with lymphoedema, it is important to approach it gradually.
A few practical considerations include:
Seek professional guidance: Speak with your GP or a qualified lymphoedema therapist before starting a new exercise program, particularly if your swelling is changing or you have other health concerns.
Start gradually: Begin with manageable activities and increase the intensity or duration as your body adapts.
Follow compression advice: If you have been prescribed a compression garment, ask your treating clinician whether and when it should be worn during exercise.
Monitor your symptoms: Pay attention to changes in swelling, discomfort or skin condition. If symptoms worsen, pause the activity and seek advice.
Sudden swelling, redness, warmth, increasing pain or fever should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional, as these can indicate complications such as infection.
Supporting Your Health Through Movement
Lymphoedema doesn't mean you have to give up exercise or avoid physical activity. With appropriate guidance, regular movement can help maintain muscle strength, flexibility and mobility while supporting the management of swelling.
At Your Health Your Way, we understand that finding the right exercises can sometimes feel challenging. Our mobile physiotherapists provide personalised in-home support, helping older adults find safe and manageable ways to stay active, build strength and maintain their independence.
Whether it's walking, gentle strengthening or flexibility exercises, we'll work with you to develop a program suited to your individual needs and abilities.
Our team provides one-on-one physiotherapy across Sydney's Northern Beaches and North Shore, helping you stay active and confident in the comfort of your own home.
References
Cancer Council NSW. Treatment and Management of Lymphoedema
Cancer Australia. (2023). Lymphoedema – What You Need to Know
Executive Committee of the International Society of Lymphology. (2023). The Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Lymphedema: 2023 Consensus Document of the International Society of Lymphology. Lymphology, 56(4), 133–151. View publication
Davies, L. M., et al. (2026). Reaching consensus on exercise recommendations for individuals living with lower limb lymphoedema: A Delphi study. Disability and Rehabilitation. View publication
Cancer Council SA. Understanding Lymphoedema