We often think of breast cancer as a woman's disease, but it can affect men as well, according to MayoClinic.com. Fewer than 1 percent of all new breast cancer cases occur in men, according to BreastCancer.org. One difference between male and female breast cancer is that women generally discover their cancer earlier than men, making it easier to treat. Rehabilitation from breast cancer -- whether treated surgically or with radiation and chemotherapy -- is the same for men as women. The rehabilitative exercises prescribed are designed to help strengthen and lift the chest muscles.
Wand Exercise
This exercise requires a broomstick, yardstick or other object that can be held in both hands at the same time with your arms about shoulder-width apart. Lie on the floor with your legs bent and the soles of both feet flat on the floor. Hold the stick in both hands with your palms facing away from your body and your elbows straight. Lift both arms at the same time until they're completely vertical. Hold this position for about five seconds and repeat it five to seven times.
Shoulder Blade Stretch
Sit down in a chair with it pulled up as close as possible to a table. Lay both arms on the table with your unaffected arm bent and your affected arm straight. Keep the palms of both hands facing down. Keep your upper body still and slide your affected arm as far forward as possible. Don't move your upper body when performing this exercise. Continue until you feel movement in your shoulder blade and hold this position for several seconds. Repeat this five to seven times.
Wall Chest Stretch
As the name suggests, this exercise is designed to help restore range of motion to your chest following cancer treatment. Stand facing a corner and keep your feet eight to 10 inches from the corner. Bend both elbows and place both forearms on the wall with one hand on each wall that makes up the corner. Gently move your upper body closer to the wall until you feel a stretch in both sides of the chest. Hold this stretch for about 10 seconds and release. Repeat it five to seven times.
Seated Side Bends
Sit in a chair with your feet together and your hands clasped in your lap. Lift both arms over your head while keeping your hands clasped together. When both arms are vertical, bend your upper body toward one side and hold this stretch for about 10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat this on the opposite side. Perform this stretch on both sides five to seven times.
