subject: Exercising Helps Lymphedema But In Different Ways For Different People [print this page] For patients of lymphedema, exercise programs should gradually progress so as to avoid a sprain or strain. This slow progression of an exercise program will also allow the patient of this disease to monitor the affect that the exercise is having. In addition to this one can also easily monitor if there is any sensation of aching or fullness in the affected limb. This sensation of aching or fullness could hint that lymphatic system is being overwhelmed by the affects of exercise.
The best treatment combination for lymphedema that one can have is with compression. This can be done by using various techniques including compression bandages and or compression garments.
These bandages will help in providing a tighter skin against which the muscles will contract. Compression bandages will also help in getting the lymph out of limb and into the central circulation.
Due to lymphedema the lymph vessels not affected work double the time to transport the lymph load. As a result of this phenomenon the overworked vessels get dilated and in the end their walls can overstretch and even fail. This can worsen the swelling which is already present due to lymphedema.
While exercising if you wear compression bandages or a compression garment these things will provide the required support to the skin around the area and the lymphatic vessels which are present directly under the skin (superficial lymphatic network).
It is the superficial lymphatic network vessels that assist in carrying the load when larger vessels are not available due to being cut away from the lymph nodes or due to damage resulting from trauma or chronic venous disease.
It should however be noted that there are certain exercise types that are considered riskier.
Following are certain things that one needs to keep in mind with regards to lymphedema and exercise treatment.
- Many men and women who suffer from the disease may feel like working out with weights. This is possible only if there is a slow progression of light weights. This may even let an individual to develop good strength and power in any muscle group.
- One should notice if they feel good after exercising or not and how the affected limb or area is reacting to the exercise.
- Exercise should be done only after you have properly evaluated your level of daily activity and modified according to the assessment. If an affected person has had a difficult day and you notice that your limb is more swollen you could choose to do a different exercise like go for a swim rather than a walk.
