Gentle exercises play a vital part in preventing lymphoedema. Your exercises will have more effect if they are done when you are wearing your compression garment.

Exercises help in three ways, they:

• help drain away lymph and reduce swelling
• maintain or improve flexibility in your joints
• improve your posture.

However, too much exercise can increase swelling. If you are doing too much, your skin will become red, sticky and hot. Exercises for lymphoedema should always be gentle and feel comfortable. Do your exercises gradually and regularly so that you build up a regular routine. Try to do exercises that you enjoy.

Don’t forget that many daily tasks can be thought of as exercise. Carrying too much weight with your affected arm can make the swelling worse, so bear this in mind when carrying handbags, luggage or shopping. Long periods of exercise and activity can also increase the swelling. Try to break up long and busy days with times of resting with your limb supported.

The right amount of exercise or activity will vary from person to person. It is a good idea to monitor the swelling while doing any exercises or after carrying out any daily activities. You can then avoid anything that makes the swelling worse.

It is also helpful to discuss the types of exercise that will help you, with your lymphoedema therapist, physiotherapist or nurse. If any exercise makes you more breathless, makes you uncomfortable or seems to make the swelling worse, STOP doing that exercise and ask for professional advice.

Here are some simple exercises to reduce arm swelling:

• Sit comfortably and support your arm at shoulder height on pillows.
• Make a fist and then stretch your fingers out straight.
• Repeat this exercise as many times as feels comfortable.
• Also with your arm supported, try bending and straightening your arm at the elbow.
• Watch your posture, and check in a mirror that your shoulders are level.
• Practice shrugging and then dropping your shoulders slowly to the count of five.
• Slowly circle your shoulders in one direction, then the other.

For leg swelling, try sitting with your leg up, making sure it is supported behind the knee. Do the following exercises at regular intervals while you are resting:

• Move your foot at the ankle to pull your toes up and then point them down.
• Bend and straighten your leg at the knee.

There are many other exercises that may help you. What is right for you depends on your agility and general condition.

If you have lymphoedema, it is very important to seek help from your lymphoedema specialist or therapist before starting an exercise programme.