Exercises following surgery of the breast
Breathing Exercises
- Breathing exercises help to improve your lung function and assist in the removal of secretions from your chest in addition to clearing the airway.
- Breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth.
Arm exercises:
Benefit for patient:
Arm exercises form an important part of post-operative physiotherapy. They help you regain your normal shoulder and arm movements. You can start the exercises the very next day after your surgery. If not done properly, the shoulder may become stiff. So, make the exercises routine and enjoy doing them. These exercises will start a day or two after the operation.
Exercise 1
Sit in a relaxed manner; take the affected arm with the help of the normal hand up over your head as shown below. Keep your arm straight throughout the exercise. Return to your starting position. Repeat 10 times. (Figure 1)
Exercise 2
Sit in a relaxed manner, with palms facing downwards, move your affected arm with assistance (therapist or relative) away from your body and up towards your head. Keep your arm straight throughout the exercise. Return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
Exercise 3
Sit in a relaxed manner; gently lift your shoulders up towards your ears. Hold for 5 seconds and then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times. (Figure 3)
Exercise 4
Sit in a relaxed manner, clasp your hands behind your back. Stretch your shoulders backward and pinch your shoulder blades together as tightly as possible. Hold for five seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 times. (Figure 4)
Exercise 5
Sit in a relaxed manner, cross your forearms and clasp your hands just below the elbow joint and raise overhead. Move either side for 10 times. (Figure 5)
Exercises 6
Sit in a relaxed manner. Hold a soft ball in your hand. Raise the hand slightly above your shoulder level and squeeze the ball. Hold for 5 seconds and release it in a slow rhythmic manner. (Figure 6)
Please follow these rules
Do’s
Do wear a loose rubber glove on your hand when washing dishes or gardening.
Do protect your hand from pin pricks, scratches, or cuts of any kind.
Careful manicure should be practiced.
Use an electric razor with a narrow head for underarm shaving to reduce the risk of nicks and scratches.
Use a thimble while stitching.
Use loose clothing.
Use insect repellent to avoid bites.
Don’ts
Do not allow injections of any kind on the affected arm.
Do not allow blood to be drawn for tests from the affected arm.
Do not take blood pressure recordings on the affected arm.
Do not wear tight clothing or jewelry on the affected arm.
Do not expose the affected arm or hand to extremes of temperature.
Please remember
Exercises should be started the second day after your surgery or when instructed by your surgeon.
They should be performed 3 times a day with 10 repetitions each.
Please continue exercises for a minimum period of 6 months.
It is important to do your exercises during radiation therapy.
If you notice any swelling of the arm, please contact us at the following address.