Following many types of surgery, you may require the services of a physical therapist to help you regain strength, endurance, flexibility and range of motion. If you've been told that you need a mastectomy, performed in the treatment and prevention of spread of breast cancer, you will need to undergo therapy following surgery to help restore function to muscular and support tissues in the chest and shoulder.
Description
A mastectomy is a medical term that defines removal of a breast. There are several different types of mastectomy surgery and terms. For example, you can have a partial or full mastectomy, called a simple or modified radical mastectomy, depending on your diagnosis and your doctor's recommendation. A simple or total mastectomy removes the entire breast but leaves chest muscle tissue intact while a modified radical mastectomy removes not only the breast, but may also remove chest muscles and clusters of lymph nodes found in the armpit.
Arm Exercises
Arm exercises are important in post-surgical mastectomy rehabilitation to restore function and range of motion of the shoulder joint. For example, lie on your back on your bed or an exercise table. Clasp your hands behind your head and allow the elbows to relax at a natural position. Your chest and the area around your armpit may be tight. As you grow stronger, press your elbows toward the bed or floor surface. Repeat this exercise as directed by your doctor.
Table Slides
The function of your shoulder may be affected by your mastectomy surgery, so it's important to stretch all the muscles of the shoulder, including your shoulder blades. You can do one exercise sitting in a chair at a table. Place your right hand and forearm on a table, your elbow straight. Using only your shoulder blade, extend your hand away from you as far as you can, then relax. Repeat this exercise as directed by your doctor, resting in between if necessary.
Shoulder Wall Stretch
Varieties of stretches increase the strength, endurance and range of motion in your shoulder and chest. You can perform a shoulder stretch while standing facing a wall, with your feet about 4 inches from the baseboard. Lift your hands and place them on the wall in front of you at face height. Your elbows should be bent at approximately a 90-degree angle and touching the wall. Keeping your palms and forearms in contact with the wall, lift your hands upward. You should feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders. Lift your hands as high as you can without causing pain, then lower. Repeat as directed by your doctor.
