Exercise is important, both from a physical and psychological perspective, in helping you recover from a mastectomy. Although you should always follow your doctor's advice as to a time frame for starting, as well as any special instructions she may have, the sooner you can start, the better off you will be.
Function
Although exercise is extremely important to your recovery, an equally important goal is to prevent swelling that can occur from a buildup of lymph fluid in your arm, hand, underarm, breast or trunk. While your doctor may permit you to begin exercising as early as three days after surgery, exercise objectives should always correspond to your stage of healing. Early objectives focus on improving flexibility and increasing your range of motion, while later, regaining arm strength becomes the main objective.
Guidelines
Unless your doctor instructs otherwise, the American Cancer Society recommends exercising twice a day, performing each exercise five to seven times -- at least until your range of motion and arm strength return to normal. Use smooth, rather than jerking movements as you perform each exercise, hold to a count of five to allow for adequate muscle stretching, and breathe deeply. It is vital that you perform exercises correctly, so if you have questions, talk to your doctor or physical therapist before trying an exercise.
Types
Early in your recovery, exercise usually consist mainly of stretching exercises you can do from a lying, sitting or standing position. These include stretches such as the shoulder shrug, roll and blade stretch, the overhand reach, shoulder pinch, wall climb and elbow circles. Later exercises can incorporate the use dumbbells to help in arm muscle strengthening. Examples include side raises, the overhead press, bench press and crossover exercises. Deep breathing exercises you repeat four to five times, about six times each day can help exercise chest muscles that may become tight following surgery. In addition to following a regular exercise routine, use your affected arm as much as possible when completing daily activities such as combing your hair, dressing and eating.
Considerations
Mastectomy surgery can temporarily affect nerves in your arm and/or chest, causing you to feel burning, tingling or numbness in these areas. Although this nerve irritation may increase during exercise, especially during the first few weeks, the American Cancer Society recommends to keep on exercising unless swelling or pain also occurs. To help prevent swelling that may result from exercise, lie down and raise your affected arm above the level of your heart for about 45 minutes, two or three times a day.
