Exercise will help you rebuild strength and range of motion after a mastectomy.
Mastectomy surgery is physically and emotionally traumatic. For some women, much of their self-identity is tied to their breasts, and undergoing breast removal can leave them wondering who they are. Your physical recovery will be faster if you follow your doctor's advice and, even if it is painful, to perform the exercises he will tell you about in a postsurgical checkup. It is important that you not exercise before your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so.
Wall-Push
Stand arms' length away from a wall, and place your palms on the wall. Bend your head forward and take little steps backward. When you first begin this exercise, you will not be able to take many steps before you feel pain. Pay attention to your body and stop stepping backward after you feel your shoulders stretch but before you hurt yourself. Step forward and repeat the exercise as your doctor has prescribed.
Arm-Sway
Hold your mastectomy side hand with your other hand while you are bending the elbow. Slowly and gently pull the arm over your head. Pull your arm as high as you can without feeling pain; hold the position while you count to five. Reverse the action to lower your arm. Do not let your arm fall to your side. Repeat the exercise as your doctor has prescribed. If you have had a radical mastectomy, your doctor may not prescribe this exercise.
Bench Press
Lie back on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Hold a light weight in each hand and slide your hands up until they are over your head. Bend your elbows while sliding your arms so your hands end the exercise close to your head. Repeat the exercise as prescribed by your doctor. As you get stronger, your doctor will ask you to lift your arms to move the weights, not slide them.
Wings
Lie back on the floor with your feet flat and knees bent. Stretch your arms straight out from your shoulders holding a light weight in each hand. Slowly raise your arms until your hands meet. Lower your arms and repeat as prescribed by your doctor. This exercise will work all areas of your surgery so you can expect it to be one of the last exercises your doctor will tell you to do. Be sure to warm up before attempting this exercise.
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