If you’ve recently had radiation therapy after surgery you can probably tell things might get a little stiff. Even after time has passed, you may still run into a few issues with your treatment. It’s important to regularly exercise your arm and shoulder after radiation treatment for breast cancer. Before you begin any exercises, consult with your primary physician so you both can discuss the proper workouts. Chances are your doctor will point you to a certified physical therapist or a cancer exercise specialist. These healthcare professionals are trained specifically to design a plan just for you! After not being able to fully use your arm for a month, this is a great opportunity to get you back to full health! Although these exercises can help, some of them shouldn't be done until stitches are removed. Here are some common exercises that women can do after breast cancer surgery.
Wand Exercise
This exercise is what helps your ability to move your shoulders forward. You can grab a random handle of a mop, broom, or yardstick for this exercise. This exercise can be done on the bed or floor while lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. The instructions are below!
- Hold the wand across your belly in both hands with your palms facing up.
- Lift the wand over your head as far as you can. Use your unaffected arm to help lift the wand until you feel a stretch in your affected arm.
- Hold for 5 seconds.
- Lower arms and repeat 5 to 7 times.
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Elbow Winging
If you’re looking to increase the mobility in the front of your chest and shoulder, then this is the exercise for you!
Although it may take several weeks of regular exercise to get the full range of motion back after breast cancer surgery, this will certainly help!
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This exercise can be done on the bed or floor as well while lying on your back with flat feet and bent knees. Follow the steps below!
- Clasp your hands behind your neck with your elbows pointing toward the ceiling.
- Move your elbows apart and down toward the bed or floor.
- Repeat 5 to 7 times.
Shoulder Blade Stretch
After sitting still for a while and going through radiation, your shoulder blades can be highly affected.
You pretty much need your shoulder blades for everything, so follow the instructions below!
- Sit in a chair very close to a table with your back against the back of the chair.
- Place the unaffected arm on the table with your elbow bent and palm down. Do not move this arm during the exercise.
- Place the affected arm on the table, palm down, with your elbow straight.
- Without moving your trunk, slide the affected arm forward, toward the opposite side of the table. You should feel your shoulder blade move as you do this.
- Relax your arm and repeat 5 to 7 times.
Shoulder Blade Squeeze
The shoulder blade is so important that we have a second exercise recommendation that can help with your posture as well.
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After going through radiation treatment and sitting in a bed for weeks, maybe even months, you must begin or continue working on your posture.
This exercise can help increase the range of motion in your shoulder, but also help your posture in the long run. Check it out!
- Sit in a chair in front of a mirror. Face straight ahead. Do not rest against the back of the chair.
- Your arms should be at your sides with your elbows bent.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together, bringing your elbows behind you toward your spine. Your elbows will move with you, but don't force the motion with your elbows. Keep your shoulders level as you do this. Do not lift your shoulders toward your ears.
- Return to the starting position and repeat 5 to 7 times.
In general, it’s important to keep your muscles working as much as possible. Before you begin any form of exercise, talk with your physician so they can help you come up with a specific plan that is safe and effective for you in the long run.
