If you have had a lumpectomy only without an axillary dissection, you can resume your regular exercises as soon as wish. IF YOU HAVE HAD AN AXILLARY DISSECTION OR MASTECTOMY, YOU WILL NEED TO MINIMIZE THE ACTIVITY OF THE ARM ON THE SIDE YOU WERE OPERATED UNTIL THE DRAINS ARE REMOVED. It is best that you avoid even regular light-duty work on the side that has the drain. You can start the exercises shown below after all drains are removed.
If you exercise slowly, you will notice relief of stiffness, pain or heaviness in your shoulder. You do not have to work through the pain. Move your arm to the point where you feel discomfort. Stop, and try again. By the end of one month, your range of motion should be back to normal.
Before returning to more vigorous upper extremity exercise (for example, tennis or weightlifting,) check with your surgeon. If you were involved in a lower extremity exercise program such as walking prior to surgery, you may resume that activity as your endurance allows.
Plan to exercise after your drains are removed. Proper exercise will ensure the quick return of range of motion and strength of the shoulder. The exercises that follow will hasten your recovery and can be performed twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime.
Exercise 1: CLASP AND REACH
While either sitting or standing, clasp your hands together and slowly raise them toward your forehead. When this is comfortable, proceed by slipping your clasped hands down behind your neck with your elbows bent. Gradually begin to bring your elbows together in front of you and breathe out. Then spread them apart breathing in. Return to starting position. Repeat this exercise five times.
Exercise 2: WALL CLIMBING
Stand facing the wall with your arms straight and your fingertips touching the wall. Keeping your arms parallel, slowly climb the wall stepping closer to the wall, in an itsybitsy- spider fashion. Progress to bringing your toes as close to the wall as possible. When your arms are straight overhead bring them in toward your ears. If pulling or discomfort occurs, stop and lower your arms back down the wall. Your goal is to get your arms to equal height up the wall. You will find that you are able to reach higher up the wall by exercising each day. Repeat this exercise five times.
Now turn to the side so that your body is at a right angle with the wall. Slowly let your fingers on your affected arm climb the wall as you side step to the wall. Keep your arm straight and in line with your ear. Repeat this exercise five times.
Exercise 3: SIDE REACH
While either sitting or standing extend your arms out to the side. Slowly raise your extended arms up over your head. Your goal is to hold your arms straight over your head with you hands touching. Now lower your arms to the side by reversing the path they traveled. Repeat this exercise five times.
Exercise 4: OVERHEAD REACH
Laying flat on the floor, knees bent slightly, grab a rod with both hands. First, extend your arms straight above your head. Slowly lift them in unison over your head towards your knees, keeping your arms straight. Return to original position and try again.
