The Power of Exercise for Lymphoedema Care
At Patient Choice Direct, we're dedicated to making lymphoedema care simple and effective. Here, we're highlighting a great tool to consider in your approach: the importance of exercise in managing lymphoedema.
*DISCLAIMER*: Before starting any exercise program, it's essential to talk to a healthcare professional, to ensure that beginning exercise is a safe and recommended way for you to manage your lymphoedema symptoms. It is important to remember, no one lymphoedema journey is the same.
Think of exercise as a key to unlocking your body's potential. By moving regularly, you can help your lymphatic system work better. This means less swelling and a better balance of fluids in your body. Which should provide some relief for lymphoedema symptoms.
Benefits of Exercise
Mental Health
Exercise isn't just about physical health—it's about feeling good mentally too. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that make you feel happy and less stressed. We believe in the power of exercise to lift your spirits and improve your overall well-being.
Weight Management
Managing your weight is also important for lymphoedema. By staying active, you can keep your weight within a healthy range for you, which reduces strain on your lymphatic system. At Patient Choice Direct, we encourage you to find activities you enjoy and incorporate them into your routine.
Flexibility and Strength
Remember to focus on flexibility
and strength. Through gentle stretches and strengthening exercises, you can improve your range of motion in joints, preventing stiffness and helping to support your lymphatic system.
Better Circulation
Exercise boosts overall blood circulation, which can aid in the efficient removal of lymph fluid. Activities that are kinder to the body and still elevate the heart rate, such as swimming or yoga, support better fluid dynamics in the body while enhancing cardiovascular health.
Reduced Swelling
Physical activity encourages the movement of swollen areas back into the circulatory system, where it can be reabsorbed and eliminated. Research has shown positive results for swelling in the arms, however more recent studies have displayed improvements for swelling in the legs too.
Improved Lymphatic Drainage
Regular exercise stimulates the contraction of lymphatic vessels, which helps to move lymph fluid through the system more effectively. Activities that involve muscle contractions, such as walking and swimming, can enhance this process.
Cancer can be one of the leading causes of lymphoedema
Here are a few exercises recommended by Cancer Research UK, to manage lymphoedema:
In summary, the benefits of exercise for lymphoedema care are vast. With guidance, you can unlock the power of movement to feel better physically and mentally.