Physical Activity and Movement
Keeping active is important for everyone but especially for people with Lipoedema. Studies show that doing physical activity can improve physical and mental health for everybody. Exercise can make us feel happier – physical activity releases feel-good hormones and can improve sleep – and keeping active (as opposed to spending too much time at a desk or sitting for long periods) stimulates the lymphatic system, which can help improve some symptoms of Lipoedema.
Set simple, small-step goals and gradually increase your activity, doing exercises and activities that are enjoyable.
Many women with Lipoedema report putting off exercise, either because they've found it challenging to obtain suitable clothing that fits, or because of the lack of understanding of Lipoedema displayed by other participants. Unkind remarks from others about your size and appearance can be demoralising and hurtful, and difficulty with mobility in the later stages of the condition can also limit activities. However, exercise is for everyone! When it comes to clothing, there are now many comfortable sports compression garments available, which make sports more accessible.
Exercising with weights is beneficial for all women. Low-impact exercises – especially swimming, walking, cycling and yoga – are recommended and enjoyed by many women with Lipoedema. They are particularly beneficial because they increase lymphatic drainage and improve blood flow through the affected limbs. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking and cycling are recommended in Lipoedema management because they increase lymphatic drainage and improve blood flow. However, high-impact exercises such as jogging, step-aerobics and contact sports are not recommended, as they may exacerbate joint pain and lead to bruising.
Aqua Activity and Swimming
Exercising in water is particularly beneficial. It supports painful joints and the pressure of deep water on the legs helps improve lymphatic and venous function. Walking in chest-high water (in a safe place) is especially good because it provides graduated, painless compression to the legs.
If mobility is restricted, then doing simple leg exercises and stretches while sitting in the chair can be helpful in improving circulation and blood and lymphatic flow. Gentle stretching exercise can be help with circulation, getting muscles moving and promoting lymphatic drainage.
Yoga
The physical and mental benefits of yoga have been well documented. Yoga can be therapeutic, with slow movement, stretching and deep breathing increasing blood flow and lymph drainage. There are various types and forms of yoga; for those with physical limitations, a gentle or seated class may be a good option.
Following Edely Wallace’s presentation on her Lymphatic Yoga® method at Lipoedema UK’s conference in 2015, 12 members participated in a month-long trial (involving 30 minutes of yoga a day) . Several members reported very positive results and a decrease in their symptoms and overall limb measurements. Edely also demonstrated her methods at the US Fat Disorders Research Society’s (FDRS) Conference 2016.
In another pilot by Lymphcare UK, lymphoedema patients reported positive results from bespoke LymphYoga® classes, soome of which were adapted for patients with limited mobility.
Take inspiration from some of our members who enjoy taking part on all sorts of activities from wild water swimming to marathons– read their stories.
ADD PHOTOS OF LIPOEDEMA MEMBERS DOING ACTIVITES….INCLUDE WALKING AND LEG EXERCISES
Links to Lipoedema Stories and videos
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SHAPE SWIMMING AND SURVIVING ARTICLE - FROM NEWSLETTER
EMILY’S AND OTHER MEMBERS MARATHON FUNDRAISER PHOTOS
Beathe work Aqua exercises Lipo exercise