Self-management exercises to promote blood & lymphatic circulation

These basic motions of arms and legs (muscle pumping exercises) are usful in the lympoedema therapy, especially combined with external limb compression. But they are also supporting vascular flow in healthy individuals - so do take some time every day and try to move for a few minutes with these easy exercises.

Warm-up

1. March in place (1–2 minutes).

2. Place your hands on your chest. Take a deep breath in; now let it out (10–20 times). Then place your hands on your stomach. Take a deep breath in; now let it out (10–20 times).

3. Place your hands on your stomach. Take a deep breath in; now let it out (10–20 times).

Arm exercises

1. Move your shoulders up and down (10–20 times).

2. Move your shoulders and arms backwards and forwards (10–20 times).

3. Clench your fists. Move your fists up to your face and shrug your shoulders (5–10 seconds, 3 times).

4. Clench your fists and stretch out your arms. Spread out your fingers. Bend your wrists down and then stretch them back up (10–20 times).

5. Touch your shoulder with one arm while stretching out the other arm. Switch sides (10–20 times).

6. Stretch out your arm sideways and touch the opposite shoulder. Switch sides (10–20 times).

Leg exercises

1. Flex and point your toes alternately (10–20 times).

2. Flex and point your toes simultaneously (10–20 times).

3. Curl your toes, then relax (10–20 times).

4. Rotate your ankles (10–20 times).

5. Pull up one leg and stretch out the other. Switch sides (10–20 times).

Further reading

Lymphoedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. Treatment includes medical compression, among others.

Young female doctor explaining compression therapy to patient

What is medical compression therapy and how does it work?

Medical compression therapy applies a type of elastic device on limbs or other body parts to exert a controlled pressure on them. Thereby, the device squeezes the vein walls together and improves the circulatory rate. Medical compression also helps with reduction of edema and recreates conditions beneficial for the healing of chronic inflammatory disorders.

Description of the vascular system

The vascular system

The vascular system permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, blood cells, and fluid through the body. It consists of the arterial system, the venous system, and the lymphatic system.