A mastectomy is a surgical procedure where one or both breasts are removed, usually due to the presence of breast cancer. Results of the surgery can make daily activities painful and challenging. Exercising after a mastectomy is important to help you regain mobility and strength. You must receive your surgeon's approval before beginning any post-operative exercise.
Overhead Stretch
An overhead stretch will help elongate muscles in your chest and underarm area. To perform the exercise, lie on your back on the floor holding a broomstick or mop handle at hip level with your palms facing down. Keep your knees bent and elbows straight, and raise your arms slowly until the handle is above your face. Breathe deeply and as you exhale, continue the motion until the broomstick is resting on the floor behind your head. Hold the stretch for a moment and then lower the handle over the same path to your hips.
Butterfly Stretch
Doing stretching exercises like the butterfly stretch will help you regain any lost function in your arms and improve your range of motion, notes the Idea Health and Fitness Association. To perform a butterfly stretch, lie on the floor in a standard abdominal crunch position and clasp your hands behind your head. Slowly press your elbows back toward the floor, then pull them back up to meet in front of your face.
Wand Exercise
The wand exercise helps increase forward motion in your shoulders, notes the American Cancer Society. You can use a broom handle or similar article to act as a wand during the exercise. Lie on your back and hold the wand at thigh level with your palms facing up. Slowly move your arms up to raise the wand over your head as far as you can. If you have undergone a single mastectomy, guide the wand with your unaffected arm if necessary. Hold the stretch for five seconds and repeat five to seven times.
Angel Wings
The angel wing motion is another stretch that will improve your range of motion and aid in your recovery. The stretch begins with you on your back and your knees bent. Your arms should be flat on the floor with elbows at 90 degrees and palms facing up. Slowly slide your arms along the floor up toward your head, maintaining the 90-degree angles. Stop and hold when you feel a slight discomfort.
Wall Climb
Climbing the wall with your hands will provide a stretch to the arm and chest area. Stand about six inches away from a wall and place your palms flat on the surface. If you have undergone a single mastectomy, walk the fingers of the non-surgery side up the wall until you are fully extended, then repeat with the affected side.
