Swimming reduces lymphedema in the legs…

For many years I have been telling people with Leg Lymphedema that the best exercise to reduce swelling is swimming. why? Swimming is the best exercise for several reasons.

First, because you are horizontal rather than vertical while swimming and your legs are below your torso. This is similar to how you lie down or raise your legs to reduce swelling.

Second, your body fluids are cycling while swimming. Movement of the limbs and muscles is creating a force that moves the fluid throughout the body. The kicking action while swimming helps to push the liquid out of the leg. When you swim, your blood and lymph will move faster, instead of sitting or lying down.

Third, the water provides gentle compression in the pool. It is milder than pressure socks, but it is still useful when you are standing in the pool. Swimming is great, but even standing and moving your legs…

Lymphedema and swimming was originally published on Spring