Pilates specialist Annie Toglia, author of "Staying Abreast: Rehabilitation Exercises for Breast Cancer Surgery," recommends several Pilates exercises to help survivors regain movement and relieve tissue swelling. Although millions of women undergo breast cancer surgery each year, as of 2011, no standardized recovery protocols exist to assist survivors in regaining their range of motion after surgery, according to breast cancer recovery expert, Doreen Puglisi. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program during or after breast cancer surgery.
Front Push
Use the Front Push movement to gently stretch the pectoral muscles post surgery, notes Toglia. Stand with your spine against a wall and grasp a yardstick with your arms hanging down. Turn your right palm away from your torso and your left palm toward your torso. Exhale as you push to the right with your left arm. Work in a range that causes stretch, but not pain. Inhale as you return to your start position. Repeat this movement five times and then flip-flop your hands to try the movement on the other side.
Arm Floats
The Arm Float movement helps you retain strength in your shoulders while alleviating swelling from your surgery. Line your spine up against a wall and grasp a yardstick with your hands shoulder-width apart. Spiral your upper arms back to drop your shoulders away from your ears. Guide your shoulder blades back against the wall as you float the strap up to shoulder height. Slowly lower the strap down and repeat eight times. Your shoulder blades may not stay on the wall at first, this position is a goal as you continue to practice.
Back Push
The Back Push is more advanced than the Front Push, as it requires a greater range of motion. Hold the yardstick behind your back with your hands hip-width apart. Turn your palms away from your torso. Exhale as you sway the stick to your right as far as you can comfortably move. Inhale to return to center. Exhale as you sway the stick to your left as far as you can comfortably move. Focus the movement in your shoulders as you keep your torso still. Repeat this movement five times to each side.
Shoulder Rotation
To perform the Shoulder Rotation, grasp a yardstick in your left hand and swing it over your shoulder with your palm facing your torso. Grab the other end of the stick with your right hand, palm facing out. Exhale as you gently pull up with your left arm, sliding your right hand up your back. Inhale as you slide back down. Repeat this movement five times, then switch sides.
References
- Doreen Puglisi; Pink Ribbon Program; Mt. Freedom, NJ
- "European Journal of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine"; Effects of Pilates Exercises on Functional Capacity, Flexibility, Fatigue, Depression and Quality of Life in Female Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study; S Eyigor; May 2010
- "Staying Abreast: Rehabilitation Exercises for Breast Cancer Surgery"; Annie Toglia; 2001
- Staying Abreast: Browse the Book: Excerpts from Phase 1
