Exercise assists post-mastectomy patients to regain function, range of motion and increase quality of life. Most exercises can begin a few days following surgery, but patients must have their doctor's approval before beginning an exercise program. There should be no open wounds from surgery or radiation, and surgical drains should be removed. The goal is to decrease pain and increase range of motion. Even the activities of normal daily living help these goals.
The First Exercises
With your doctor's permission, you can begin some simple exercises three to seven days after surgery, according to the American Cancer Society. Try using your affected arm, where you had the surgery, as you normally would when eating, getting dressed, bathing or brushing your hair. While lying down, raise your affected arm above heart level for 45 minutes two or three times a day. Place your arm on pillows with your hand higher than your wrist and elbow higher than your shoulder to decrease swelling. While your arm is raised, open and close your hand 15 to 25 times, then bend and straighten your elbow three to four times a day. This exercise pumps lymph fluid out of your arm. Practice deep breathing exercises at least six times a day, breathing slowly and in a relaxed manner.
Lying Down
Wear comfortable, loose clothing when exercising. It might help to exercise after a warm shower when muscles are relaxed. In the "wand" exercise, lie on your back with knees and hips bent and feet flat. Hold a broom handle or yardstick in both hands with palms facing up. Lift the "wand" over your head as far as possible to increase your shoulders' forward motion. Use your unaffected arm to help lift it until you feel a stretch in your affected arm. Hold this for five seconds, lower your arms, and repeat five to seven times. In the "elbow winging" exercise, in the same position, clasp your hands behind your neck with elbows pointing to ceiling. Move your elbows apart and down toward the bed or floor. Repeat five to seven times, the American Cancer Society says.
Sitting Up
To help your shoulder blade movement, sit in a chair close to a table with your back against the chair back. Put the unaffected arm on the table with your elbow bent and palm down. Place the affected arm on the table, palm down and elbow straight. Without moving your trunk, slide the affected arm forward, feeling your shoulder blade move. Relax and repeat five to seven times. For the shoulder blade squeeze, sit in a chair in front of a mirror, face straight ahead, and do not rest against the chair back. Have your arms at the side with elbows bent. Squeeze your shoulder blades together, bringing elbows behind you and keeping shoulders level. Relax and repeat five to seven times.
Wall Exercises
In "crawling the wall," stand facing a wall, about six to eight inches away from it. Reach toward the wall, walking your fingers up as far as you can and marking the place to encourage yourself to go higher next time. Repeat the first two steps, but begin by turning the side of your body to the wall and repeat again. In the "chest wall stretch," stand facing a corner with your toes about eight to 10 inches out. Bend your elbows, placing your forearms on the wall, one on each side of the corner. They should be as close to shoulder height as possible. Keeping your arms and feet in place, move your chest toward the corner to feel a stretch across your chest and shoulders.
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