A lumpectomy is a surgery to remove cancer or abnormal tissues from your breast. The surgery is also called breast-conservation surgery because, unlike a mastectomy, only a portion of your breast is removed. However, breast surgery can affect your shoulder and arm, which can affect how well you perform your daily activities. With exercises, you may be able to perform your daily routines more effectively.
Lying Wand Exercise
This exercise helps you with the forward motion of your shoulders, notes the Cancer site. You'll need a wand-like object, such as a broomstick or yardstick. Lie down on your back with your knees slightly bent. Hold the wand in both hands with your palms facing up, says the site. In the starting position, your arms are lowered and your knuckles are almost touching your upper thigh region. Lift the wand over your head by extending your arms toward the ceiling. You'll use the weight your unaffected arm to lift the wand, but lift until you feel a stretch in the affected arm. Hold for five seconds and lower your arms down to the starting position. Perform five to seven repetitions twice daily.
Shoulder Blade Exercise
The shoulder blade exercise helps increase shoulder blade movement. Sit in a chair in front of a mirror and face straight ahead. Keep your back straight but do not use the back of the chair for support. Place your arms at your sides with elbows bent, advises the site. This is the starting position. Next, squeeze the shoulder blades together as you bring your elbows back, keeping your shoulders level. Your arms will stay parallel with each other at your sides. Return to the starting position. The site advises you not to lift your shoulder toward your ears as you perform the exercise. Perform five to seven repetitions twice daily.
Standing Shoulder Exercise
This advanced exercise uses your own body weight to increase range of motion in your shoulder. To start, stand in front of a wall with your palms flat on its surface. Slowly and gently bend your head forward. Take small steps back, moving away from the wall until you feel a significant stretch in your shoulders. Hold briefly and slowly return to the starting position. Repeat as recommended by your physician. However, since this exercise is advanced, ask your doctor if you are ready for such exercise.
Considerations
Before performing exercises, make sure you get permission to do so from your doctor. Also ask about any exercises you should avoid. During exercises, wear loose, comfortable clothing and take deep breaths in and out as you perform the movements. Also, you may feel burning, tingling or numbness after surgery that lasts a few weeks. However, as long as your doctor approves, you should keep doing your exercises until you notice unusual swelling or tenderness, worsening pain, headaches, dizziness or weakness. If you experience any of these, contact your physician immediately.
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