Does running/jogging/walking help lymphatic flow?

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alrz1980
alrz1980 Member Posts: 47
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

just wondering if jogging/ walking on a treadmill helps with lymphatic flow including the upper body? I don't know much about exercise and which ones help. Thanks 

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  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 3,353
    edited March 2014

    alrz1980 - Any cardiovascular exercise will help with lymphatic flow.

    I can only speak for myself but walking with my hands down to my sides makes me LE worse because my problem area is my fingers/hand.  When I walk with my hands down the fluid goes to my fingers.  So, when I walk, I hold my hands at 90 degrees and occasionally do fist pumps (opening and closing of my fingers) to keep the fluid out of my fingers. Some ladies use nordic walking poles to keep their arms up instead of dangling to the sides.

    Jogging/running is great for me, again because my hands are not dangling down when I run.

    I've found the sit down, incumbent bicycle (or recumbent bike) actually is the best for me because my arms aren't involved at all and I do most of the session with my arms in the air doing fist pumps.  May look a little silly but anything to do to keep the fluid out of my fingers/hand … I will do.

    So, long answer to your question.  But the short of it is:  Yes, walking does help just don't hold your hands down to your side when you walk, keep them at least at 90 degrees.  

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited March 2014

    In summer I find that walking or jogging will cause my arm to flare if I hang hands down, just like Dawne-Hope said.  It's less sensitive in cooler weather, fortunately. I try to put my hand in a pocket, but it needs to be a jacket pocket that's diagonal, not a pants pocket that's a bit too low.  Not so simple in hot weather, but I've also been known to make a sling out of a huge (lightweight) scarf to support the arm.  Or, when not really exercising but just doing a lot of walking, I have one purse with a sturdy strap and if I wear it cross body, I can rest my hand on the purse with a very light grip on the strap.  I sometimes use hiking poles, too, which give the arm a workout, so you need some strength to do this, but the arm is actually supported and that works better for me than letting it swing too much and especially better than letting it hang down.

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited March 2014

    I think it works because if I feel stuffed up in the trunk I go walk for about 10 min, pump my fists 25 times and I feel less congested. But too much walking if you are not use to it may cause a flare. Start slow, work your way up.

    Nordic poles are great for a 90 degree arm angle so arm don't dangle. ditto on Dawne hopes walking methods for me!  Drink tons of water to.

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  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
    edited March 2014

    Good to see this post, I have begun walking and my fingers feel so tight. Had I not read this, I would not have made the connection before damage was done.

    I will try all of your ideas...thanks!

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