Exercises for Managing Edema

Lower Extremity Exercises for Managing Edema

While exercising, remember:

Take deep breaths during and after each exercise, and after each set of exercises
Pace yourself – perform each exercise slowly
Follow exercise directions as listed
Notify your therapist if you have any questions or concerns
Do not force movements that cause pain or discomfort
Do not hold your breath while exercising

Ankle pumps

Quad squeeze or leg kicks

If lying, squeeze your upper thighs down toward the bed while breathing out and hold for 2-3 seconds. Relax and breathe in.
If seated, kick your leg forward and hold for 4 seconds. Slowly lower your leg and repeat exercise with opposite leg.

Glutal squeeze

Squeeze your buttocks together while breathing out and hold for 4 seconds (pretend you are pinching a coin between your buttocks). Relax and breathe in.

Deep breathing

Take a deep breath in through your nose. Expand your stomach out (let the air fill your belly). Pause. Purse your lips and slowly exhale your breath out.
Try placing your hands on your stomach to feel it rise and fall with your deep breaths

When you are experiencing edema/swelling, remember:

Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Moving the legs will help to move fluid and reduce swelling
Change positions frequently and elevate leg(s) as much as possible
These exercises are intended to increase blood flow in legs as much as possible.
Performing these exercises from foot to knee to buttocks will help move fluid.

L. P. (n.d.). Lower Extremity Exercises for Managing Edema. Michigan Medicine. https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Homecare/MVN/LEEdema.pdf