Exercises for Reconditioning after Breast Surgery

- excerpted from the American Cancer Society - Exercises After Breast Surgery, 2001

It is important to talk with your doctor prior to starting the exercises so that you can decide on a program that is right for you.

The week after surgery:

Use your affected arm as normally as possible.
Raise your affected arm above your heart level for 45 minutes two or three times a day while reclined.
Exercise your affected arm while it is elevated above the level of your heart by opening and closing your hand 15 to 25 times, then bend and straighten your elbow. Repeat three or four times a day to help reduce swelling by pumping lymph fluid out of your arm.

Begin Exercising After You are Given Doctor's Permission

Exercise to help reduce tightness in your chest and armpit.
Do exercise until you feel a slow stretch and hold stretch for a count of five. Do not bounce. You should experience no pain.
Exercises should be done twice daily until you regain normal flexibility and strength.

For a detailed description of exercises, contact American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or http://www.cancer.org and discuss with your doctor which exercises are most appropriate for you.

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Exercises for Reconditioning after Breast Surgery - excerpted from the American Cancer Society - Exercises After Breast Surgery, 2001 It is important to talk with your doctor prior to starting the exercises so that you can decide on a program that is right for you. The week after surgery: Use your affected arm as normally as possible. Raise your affected arm above your heart level for 45 minutes two or three times a day while reclined. Exercise your affected arm while it is elevated above the level of your heart by opening and closing your hand 15 to 25 times, then bend and straighten your elbow. Repeat three or four times a day to help reduce swelling by pumping lymph fluid out of your arm. Begin Exercising After You are Given Doctor's Permission Exercise to help reduce tightness in your chest and armpit. Do exercise until you feel a slow stretch and hold stretch for a count of five. Do not bounce. You should experience no pain. Exercises should be done twice daily until you regain normal flexibility and strength. For a detailed description of exercises, contact American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or http://www.cancer.org and discuss with your doctor which exercises are most appropriate for you. <<< Being Prepared about Breast Surgery >>> Nutrition During and Following Breast Cancer Treatment Return to Table of Contents Information provided by American Breast Care