Patient Resources

One of the best ways of keeping your lymphatic system healthy is to be active. The lymphatic system does not have a pump, like the heart, so we need to help it along by using our large and small muscles. Any movement is better than none and there are activities suitable for all abilities.

If you have Lymphoedema, speak to your specialist practitioner before undertaking any new activity.

To get you started, try our Find 3 Challenge, where you find 3 minutes to get your lymph moving. 

Walking

You’ll have heard that walking is good for keeping your heart healthy, it’s good for your lymphatic system too. Even a slow pace will help your lymphatic system by using your calf muscles as a pump.

Get away from your desk regularly.

Give your mind, your back and your lymphatic system a break every half an hour. Get up from your desk for a minute, walk to a colleague’s desk, make a cup of tea (maybe do some heel raises while you’re there). It’s so easy to stay seated all day, so set yourself a regular reminder to get up, walk and stretch regularly throughout the day.

Stay active.

If you have recently developed lymphoedema and want to keep doing an activity you love, talk to your practitioner. You can keep up with most activities so long as you take extra care of your condition. This could mean making sure you have the right compression, do appropriate warm-ups and make some minor adjustments to your practice.

Some useful resources:

Cancer Research UK - exercise, positioning and lymphoedema videos by Carla Zanichelli, BLS Member Click Here

LymphConnect by JOBST EveryBodyCan Getting Active Video

Simple Activity Warm Up Move More Video by Professor Anna Campbell of CanRehab Click Here 

Exercises to Improve your Cardiorespiratory fitness (aerobic exercise) Video by Prof Anna Campbell of CanRehab Click Here

Strength & Endurance Video by Prof Anna Campbell of CanRehab Click Here

Parasport home workout: Getting started with Kris Saunders-Stowe

Workout #1 - Stretching & Mobility Click Here

NHS Guidance on building fitness for those who are already active Click Here

Active with Emma videos for people with limited mobility (NB: Please watch the first video below before attempting the exercises) :

Easy lower limb exercises. Advice, videos and handy downloadable pdf from the Legs Matter Coalition Click Here

Daily easy activity classes to do in your own home Click Here

4 Get Active Videos with the Team Undefeatable Instructors - including 2 Get Dancing videos with dance teacher Katie Mason & 2 Get Moving videos with football coach Stuart Langworthy Click Here