Exercising Safely with a Central Venous Catheter for Dialysis

Being active is very good for your health and can help you feel better while on dialysis or outside of dialysis.

The general information below can help you plan for safe and comfortable exercise while still protecting your central venous catheter lines.

When can I increase my activity after getting my catheter line?

• Light walking is safe and encouraged right after getting your catheter line.
• For the first 8 to 12 weeks after getting your catheter line (until the site is fully healed and your stitches have been removed), don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kg). 10 pounds is just a little bit heavier than the weight of a 4 L jug of milk.
• The area around your central venous catheter may feel sore for up to 2 weeks while it is healing. Full healing can take up to 12 weeks.
• For the first 12 weeks after getting your catheter line, avoid playing sports that use your upper arms a lot like tennis and golf, as well as sports that involve pushing or pulling heavy objects. You can add these activities back into your exercise routine after the stitches holding your catheter line in place are removed. If you feel ready to resume these activities earlier, talk with your healthcare team.
• Avoid heavy lifting until the stitches holding your catheter line in place have been removed.
• Slowly increase your activities as long as they feel OK to you, until you reach your normal activity level.

Can I swim?

• Swimming is not recommended if you have a catheter line as it increases your risk of infections.

Can I play sports?

• Gentle sports like yard games and lawn bowling are great options.
• For more active sports like badminton, volleyball, or running, make sure your catheter is secured properly.
• Contact sports like football and hockey are generally not recommended. If you feel ready to resume these activities, talk with your healthcare team.
• Make sure your catheter line is secured properly while you play sports so it does not get damaged or pulled out.
• If you are going back to a sport you have not played in a while, take it slowly. For example, with golf, start by hitting a few balls with a small swing and build up slowly over time if it feels OK.

How do I keep my catheter safe during activities?

• Wrap your catheter line in square (4x4) gauze and secure the gauze with regular medical plastic tape.
• You can secure your catheter line further when doing contact sports using an extra-large dressing. These extra-large dressings are not provided by the dialysis unit. You can buy extra-large dressings from different companies. Talk to your dialysis team for more specific suggestions.
• Monitor your catheter regularly. If you are concerned, measure your catheter line to make sure the central venous catheter is not out further than it was when it was inserted.

Speak to your kinesiologist or exercise therapist if you have any questions.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_exercise_cvc_dialysis_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: January 08, 2026

Author: Alberta Kidney Care

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.