The timing of exercise after a mastectomy depends on the woman. Some women experience a great deal of pain, numbness and stiffness as a result of the removal of breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer. Others suffer no soreness or complications at all. Regardless of symptoms, most medical professionals advise getting your surgeon's OK before going back to any level of exercise.
First Day
Most women can start light exercises soon after a mastectomy, sometimes as soon as the day following the procedure. These exercises, however, are usually limited to activities that minimize the side effects of surgery. One of the first exercises your surgeon will likely recommend is deep breathing, as it helps to maintain the movement of your chest. You'll also be asked to raise your arm and open and close your hand to reduce swelling and aid movement of lymph fluid.
First Week
As soon as the drainage tubes are removed, which can occur seven to nine days after the surgery, you may begin exercises that work your range of motion. A number of these exercises focus on arm movements, such as lifting a light object overhead, squeezing the shoulder blades together, bending from right to left and extending the arms to your sides. These activities are typically repeated two to three times a day.
First Month
Stretching and strengthening exercises, on the other hand, may need to wait until the incision sites have healed. Sudden or strenuous movements can cause sutures to open, which delays healing. People heal at different rates, so it can take as long as a month before you can incorporate these activities into your daily routine. Stretching often focuses on the chest and shoulders, as well as the arm on the affected side. The strengthening activities often start with lightly weighted objects, like 2- or 5-pound weights, that are raised to your sides, over your head and across your body.
Benefits
Besides minimizing symptoms and improving your range of motion, exercises help to promote blood flow, aiding in healing and reducing the formation of blood clots. They also can soften scar tissue and promote the opening of new lymphatic channels, which carry tissue fluid back into the bloodstream.
Precautions
While physical activity is important after a mastectomy, pay close attention to the level of intensity. Contact your doctor immediately if your pain worsens after exercise or you begin to experience an unusual heaviness in your affected arm. Report any swelling that worsens or the sudden occurrence of numbness or tingling to a medical professional.
