A mastectomy is a complete removal of a woman's breast through surgery, an approach often taken to treat breast cancer. Exercises following a mastectomy are designed to help restore range of motion and function of the shoulder joint, and to enhance and aid the healing process. Exercise for post-mastectomy patients is often broken down into phases, according to Staying Abreast, a program that offers rehabilitation exercises for those who have undergone breast cancer surgery. Don't start any exercise program without the green light from your doctor and adequate instruction on technique from a physical therapist.
Shoulder Rolls
An early post-surgical exercise is a shoulder roll. Standing or sitting, face forward, arms and shoulders relaxed. Hunch the shoulders forward and then up and around, like you're making circles with the shoulder. As you round your shoulders toward the rear, try to scrunch your shoulder blades together and then press the shoulders down for the bottom of the circular move. Repeat this exercise several times, but decrease circle size if you feel pain.
Frontal Lifts
With your palms facing down, hold onto a broomstick or yardstick bar held in front of you at waist level. Your hands should be located wider than shoulder-width apart on the bar. Extend the bar or broomstick out in front of you and then slowly raise to shoulder level. Hold for a few seconds and then lower the bar back down. Repeat this exercise five to eight times, trying to lift the bar a little higher each time.
Elbow Wings
Lie on your back on the floor or your bed, knees bent and arms clasped behind your head. Your elbows should be pointed toward the ceiling. Slowly allow your elbows to drop toward the floor or bed. Hold for a second and then lift them upward again. You may find that it takes several weeks to restore your ability to drop your elbows to the floor or bed, so don't rush this exercise. The American Cancer Society suggests repeating this exercise five to seven times a day.
Shoulder Blade Squeezes
Sit in a chair, leaning slightly forward so that your back isn't resting against the back of the chair or sofa. Place your hands with arms bent at your sides, resting the palm of your hands on your thighs. Slowly squeeze the shoulder blades toward one another, allowing your elbows to pull backward, your hands hovering in the air at about waist level. Don't hunch your shoulders while performing this exercise; keep them pulled down and away from your ears. Relax, allowing the arms to come forward again, palms resting on the thighs. Repeat this exercise five to seven times.
Member Comments
Gracielita December 7
After eight years of having my right side breast removed because of cancer, I am having pain due to a kind of pull under my removed breast. Could some one help me by informing me of a correct exercise to help decrease this horrible and painful sensation?
Gracielita December 7
Thanks for all your replies that will help me lessen this pain. Blessings!