Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one or both breasts. It is usually performed to treat breast cancer. The post-op period is often characterized by upper body pain, as well range of motion limitations. Post mastectomy exercise plays an important role in releasing muscular tension, preventing scar tissue development and restoring strength and flexibility to joints and muscles that have been affected by the surgery.
Step 1
Perform shoulder release exercises. Sit in a comfortable position. Begin by raising your shoulders toward your ears, and then allowing them to drop. Then, perform four clockwise and four counter clockwise shoulder circles.
Step 2
Perform the "wall climbing exercise. Stand facing the wall. Place the palm of the unaffected hand against the wall, and "walk" the fingers up the wall until the arm is in a fully extended position. Then, do the same with the affected hand. Walk down with the unaffected hand, and repeat the sequence. Do not expect to reach full extension immediately, but try to increase your range of motion each time. Perform 5 repetitions. Always lead with the unaffected hand.
Step 3
Stand in an upright position, holding a dowel or yardstick with both hands. If neither is available, use a towel or a thin roll of wrapping paper. Separate your hands so that they are 2 1/2 feet apart. Palms should face down. Inhale to prepare. As you exhale, keep your arms straight and slowly raise the bar. Perform 5 to 8 repetitions. Try to raise the stick a bit higher each time.
Step 4
Stand in an upright position and hold the dowel or the dowel substitute behind your back, with your palms facing your body. Inhale to prepare. As you exhale, move the stick to the right. Inhale and return to center. Repeat to the other side. Perform 5 repetitions to each side. Avoid moving your upper torso.
Step 5
Perform arm extensions. Stand or sit in an upright position. Bend your elbows, and place the tips of your fingers on your shoulders. Slide your forearms slightly forward, so that your elbows are about one half inch in front of your waist. Then, rotate your hands so that your palms face away from your body. Imagine that you are standing or sitting between two walls. Inhale to prepare. As you exhale, straighten your arms as if you were trying to break each wall with each hand. Inhale as you bend your elbows. As you gain strength, you can perform this exercise while holding a resistance band or a set of one to two pound weights.
Step 6
Place an exercise mat on the floor to protect your knees. Kneel at the edge of the mat, and place the stability ball on the floor in front of you. Place both hands on the ball, and separate them so that they are about 12 inches apart. Inhale to prepare. As you exhale, simultaneously roll the ball forward, and bring your hips back toward your heels. Perform 5 to 8 repetitions. If you can not kneel, perform the exercise by placing the ball on a cleared table.
Tips and Warnings
- Begin gentle movements as soon as possible after surgery. Steps one to four can be performed immediately after surgery. Check with your doctor before progressing to steps four to six. Form trumps repetition. It's better to perform three sets of four repetitions in good form than one set of 12 repetitions in poor form.
- Avoid fast, jerky movements. Do not lift anything over three pounds until you are advised by your physician. Check with your physician before starting the program, and call your doctor at the first sign of any unusual pain or swelling.
Things You'll Need
- Stability ball
- Rubber tubing
- Light weights
- Dowel, yardstick, long towel or wrapping paper roll
- Comfortable workout clothes
- Exercise mat
