Exercises Following Breast Surgery 4. Cross Arm Stretch • Bring sore arm across in front of body as shown. • Hold elbow with opposite arm. • Gently pull across chest until a stretch is felt. • Hold for 5 seconds. • Relax and repeat. Perform 1 set of 5 repetitions, three times a day. 5. Shoulder Forward Glides on Wall • Stand facing wall. • Place forearm on a door frame, elbow slightly higher than a shoulder level. • Palm should be facing inward. • Gently move your arm up along the wall until you feel a good stretch and breathe in and out slowly 2 times • Return to start position and repeat. Special Instructions: Once this feels easy to do, move away from the wall and reach as high as you can. Perform 1 set of 5 repetitions, three times a day. 6. Shoulder Sideways Glides on Wall • Stand with side to wall. • Place forearm on a door frame, elbow at shoulder level. • Move your arm up along the wall until you feel a good stretch and breathe in and out slowly 2 times. • Return to start position and repeat. Special Instructions: Once this feels easy to do, move away from the wall and reach as high as you can. Perform 1 set of 5 repetitions, three times a day. 7. Arm Behind the Back Stretch • Place sore arm behind back as far as possible. • Hold other arm over shoulder with towel as shown. • Grasp towel with the sore arm. • Slowly pull upward with your other arm until a stretch is felt. • Hold this position while you breathe in and out slowly 2 times. • Return to start position and repeat. Perform 1 set of 5 repetitions, three times a day. 8. Walking • Walk at a comfortable pace. Try to allow your arms to swing as freely as comfort allows Special Instructions: Progress your walking time as you are able. Perform 1 set of 10 minutes, once a day. PHASE 2 EXERCISES (DRAINS OUT) 1. Chest Stretch – Lying down • Lie on back with a towel roll 2-3 inches thick placed along your spine between your shoulder blades. • Feet can be up on a wall or knees bent with feet on the floor. • Move your arms out from sides at 90 degrees, gently allow shoulders to move toward floor. • Hold this position for 5 minutes while focusing on slow, deep breaths. Special Instructions: If this is too difficult at first, stretch without the towel roll Perform 1 set of 5 minutes, three times a day 2. Shoulder Lifts – Lying down • Lie on your back with your arm on your side • Slowly raise arm over your head as far as possible, keeping your elbow straight. • Move your arm as far back as comfort allows and then return to start and repeat Special Instructions: If you cannot lift arm while keeping elbow straight, try using your other arm to assist the sore arm. Perform 1 set of 5 repetitions, three times a day 3. Shoulder Rotation - Hands at Neck • Lie down with your hands behind your head. • Point elbows toward ceiling • Slowly spread your elbows apart as far as you can until you feel a good stretch and slowly breathe in and out 2 times • Return to start position and repeat. Perform 1 set of 5 repetitions, three times a day. Seton.net Goodhealth.com