Swimming and Water Activities With Lymphedema

Swimming is one of the best activities for lymphedema. The gentle, even pressure of the water supports the limb and encourages lymph fluid to move, while the coolness helps you stay comfortable. With a few simple precautions around skin care, water activities are easy to enjoy.

Why water is so good for lymphedema

When you are in the water, the pressure around your limb acts a bit like compression, gently supporting the tissue from every direction. Moving through that resistance helps your muscles pump lymph fluid without any impact on your joints. It is low-impact, cooling, and something many people genuinely enjoy, which makes it easy to stick with.

Do you wear compression in the water?

Usually not. The water itself provides support, so most people leave their garment off while swimming. Bring a clean, dry garment to put on once you have dried off, so you are protected again for the rest of the day. As always, follow any specific guidance from your therapist.

Skin care before and after

• Rinse off after pool or ocean water to remove chlorine, salt, and bacteria.
• Dry gently and thoroughly, including between fingers or toes.
• Moisturize to keep skin from drying out.
• Treat any small cut or scrape promptly, since skin breaks can lead to infection.

Getting started

If you are new to it, start with short, gentle sessions like water walking or easy laps, and build up gradually. Warm-water pools can feel especially comfortable, though very hot water is best avoided. A water aerobics class designed for gentle movement can be a lovely way to begin.

Frequently asked questions

Is swimming safe with lymphedema?

For most people, yes, and it is often recommended. The water supports the limb while you move. Check with your therapist if you have any specific concerns.

Do I wear my compression sleeve in the pool?

Generally no. The water provides support, so most people swim without their garment and put a dry one back on afterward.

Is chlorine or salt water a problem?

They can dry out skin, so rinse off and moisturize after swimming, and make sure any cut is clean and protected.

What water activities are best?

Gentle swimming, water walking, and low-impact water aerobics are all excellent, low-impact ways to stay active with lymphedema.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Please follow the guidance of your physician or lymphedema therapist. Trusted resources include the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN) and the National Lymphedema Network.

Written by the LympheDIVAs team. We have made beautiful, medical-grade compression for people living with lymphedema since 2006.