Arm Exercise For Individuals With Sternal Precautions

Recovery from open heart surgery usually takes about six to eight weeks, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. During this time, you need to take special care of your incision and sternum as it heals. This means limiting your activity and avoiding certain movements. Your doctor may encourage exercise in the later weeks of your recovery, but doing so means adhering to certain limitations.

Limitations

Your doctor will provide you with a strict set of limitations that will help you recover effectively and in a timely manner. This will include general limitations regarding the use of your arms and activities. The Cleveland Clinic recommends limiting the amount of weight you lift to 20 lbs., but your doctor may have other guidelines for you. Avoid pushing or pulling motions as well as overhead activities. Your activity should not extend beyond a 90-degree bend in your elbow that places your hands over your head. Any activity that places your hands over your head should only be done for short periods of time. You should also avoid reaching across your body or twisting.

Volume

Exercise is a good part of recovery from heart surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you attend cardiac rehab during your recovery period. This means working with exercise physiologists and nurses who specialize in post-heart surgery care and activity. When you exercise after open heart surgery, there are guidelines to follow. In general, you want to perform light to moderate activity and avoid any strenuous exercise. Always breathe normally when doing activity. Holding your breath can result in a valsalva maneuver in which intrathoracic pressure greatly increases, which is bad for a healing sternum.

Strength-Training Exercises

Two strength-training exercises good for someone with sternal precautions are the biceps curl and the front raise. Both exercises work the upper arms and shoulders but do so without too much stress. You can use a light weight or no weight for either exercise. To do the biceps curl, begin seated, with your arms down in front of your body. In a slow and controlled motion, bend your elbow so that your hands approach your shoulders. Hold this position for one second, then return to start and repeat. To do the front raise, stand with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. Your arms should be hanging down in front of your body. Slowly lift both straight arms up so until they are at shoulder height, hold for one second, then lower them back down and repeat. To avoid straining during these exercises opt for light weights and few sets and reps, such as one to three sets of eight to 12 reps.

Other Exercises

Aerobic exercise, though it will not work your arms, is useful during recovery from heart surgery. It also gets you on the path to a healthier lifestyle that can reduce your risk of another cardiovascular incident. Strive to walk every day, following your doctor's guidelines or guidelines from cardiac rehab.