Exercises following Breast Surgery
Arm Exercises Following Breast Surgery and Axillary Node Dissection
Physiotherapy
All NHS and private patients undergoing breast cancer surgery are routinely seen by the oncology physiotherapy department. This facility was introduced by Donna Osborn and Gill Cudmore. As a result improvement of shoulder movements and stiffness is a rarity. When it does occur we also have access to hydrotherapy.
When should I start?
You should try to use your arm on the day after the operation to carry out everyday tasks such as doing your hair, brushing your teeth, or getting dressed. Treat yourself gently at first, and increase the amount you are able to do each day.
You should also start the initial exercises listed opposite on the day after the operation. Do what you can gently and without causing undue pain.
How much should I exercise?
Do these exercises three times a day, if possible.
At first, each of the exercises should be done five times on each occasion.
You should gradually build up to ten times on each occasion if you can.
When do I stop?
Do each exercise until you regain full movement of the affected shoulder.
You may be shown further stretching exercises at a later date.
Additional Information
After removal of the glands in the axilla you should take care not to cut or damage the skin on the affected arm and hand; be careful to avoid injuries such as oven burns or gardening abrasions. If injuries do occur then clean the wound thoroughly and cover it with antiseptic cream and a plaster. Any wound which starts to become red should be treated by your doctor.
Initial Excercises
You should be able to sit or stand up straight. Check your posture in a mirror so that your shoulders are down and held back.
As you walk around, allow your arm to relax straight at your side, unless you need to hold a wound drainage bottle.
1. Sit on the side of your bed or in a chair. Shrug both shoulders as high as possible and then relax.
2. Pull both shoulders gently backwards and then relax.
3. Place your hand on your affected shoulder. Raise your elbow forwards as far as you can and then take it down and back.
4. Keep your hand on your shoulder, raise your elbow out sideways as far as you can and then lower it down and relax.
5. Move your hand from the shoulder and place it behind your neck. Move your elbow backwards as far as you can without moving your head and then bring your hand to the shoulder and relax.
6. Place your hand on your tummy. Move it to the side, around your waist and on behind your back and then bring it back and relax.
Arm Exercises after Drain Removal
Once the drains are removed add this exercise to those above.
7. Face the wall standing about one foot (or thirty centimeters) away from it; place both hands against the wall and walk your fingertips up as far as you can. Try to increase the distance you do each day.
Additional Arm Exercises to prepare for Radiotherapy following Breast Surgery
What are these exercises for?
These exercises are designed to stretch the scar tissue resulting from the operation on your breast. They will help you to regain full movement of the shoulder affected. They also make it easier to position your arm during radiotherapy if your Consultant Oncologist should prescribe it.
How much should I exercise?
Do these exercises four times a day, if possible.
Each of the exercises should be done six times on each occasion.
When do I stop?
Do each exercise until you regain full movement of the affected shoulder.
Continue these exercises for several months after your Radiotherapy is complete in order to prevent any stiffening which might result and to aid the drainage of lymph fluid from the arm.
Additional Exercises
Lie flat on your back with your head on a pillow and relax.
You should exercise to feel a stretch but do not cause yourself undue pain.
1. Raise your arm up above your head keeping the elbow straight. Bring it back to your side and relax.
2. Take your arm out sideways keeping it straight. Bring it back to your side and relax.
3. Take your arm out to the side keeping it straight and then bend your elbow to 90 degrees.
Move your hand up towards the pillow and then down towards the bed.
4. Place your hand behind your head.
Raise your elbow upwards and inwards and then lower it down on the pillow and relax.
Further Advice
if you have any questions about the way your arm and shoulder are progressing do not hesitate to telephone the Physiotherapy Office in the Oncology Centre on the number below; please be prepared to leave a message on the answer phone as the physiotherapists are often out of the office helping patients.
01622 225076.
