Stay Active after Breast Surgery: Postoperative Exercise

For the first few weeks of recovery, it is crucial that you allow your body to relax for faster and better healing, however, this doesn’t entirely mean that you are bound to the bed. It is recommended by medical professionals that patients should maintain body mobility by doing stretches or going for light walks during the healing period. Prolonged lying or sitting might result in complications such as blood clots or deep venous thrombosis. Keeping the circulation flowing aids in the prevention of these and will accelerate the process of healing in the breast region.

Patients should begin mild walking soon following surgery - nothing hard, simply small steps in the house, every other hour. After two weeks, individuals can begin a more strenuous form of exercise, such as treadmill walking or uphill walking. Most patients may resume most forms of activity within a month, with the exception of heavy lifting. After six weeks, patients are often entirely cured and can restart all workouts.

Recommended Exercises after Breast Surgery

Don't rush your healing and consult with your surgeon before doing any of these workouts or stretches. Remember! a little work, and time can go far toward assisting you in recovering. Deep breathing may be a good method to start or conclude a stretching workout. The technique might help you relax your body and minimize tightness. Postoperative exercises after breast surgery include shoulder rolls, shoulder wings, arm circles, forward wall crawls, and side bends. These exercises should be performed with care so that they do not cause any discomfort. Below, we will give an explanation of each of these exercises.?

Shoulder Rolls

Step 1: Standing or sitting, place your feet together or slightly apart.

Step 2: Straighten your back and lift your chest.

Step 3: Bend your elbows so that your forearms are parallel to the ground.

Step 4: Make a loose fist with your hands, palms facing each other.

Step 5: Lift your shoulders up toward your ears first. Now, slowly move your shoulders forward, down, back, and up in little forward circles.

Do 5 to 10 forward circles, progressively increasing their size, while breathing normally.

Return to the middle, then reverse your shoulder rolls, creating 5 to 10 backward circles. Relax by lowering your arms to your sides. You can also refer to this video to help you.

Shoulder Wings

Step 1: Lift both elbows out to the side and put your hands on the chest.

Step 2: Slowly drop your elbows down, restricting your range of motion.

Step 3: Finish by lifting your elbows just high enough just to feel a slight stretch but no strain.

Arm Circles

Step 1: Stretch your arms to the sides, parallel to the floor, with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Step 2: Small, controlled motions should be used to circle your arms forward, progressively increasing the size of the circles until you flex your triceps without feeling any discomfort.

After around 10 seconds, reverse the orientation of the circles. Watch this video to guide you.

The Forward Wall Crawl

Step 1: The forward wall crawl helps you restore mobility while reaching out by stretching your arm and shoulder muscles.

Step 2: Place a piece of tape on the wall at the highest point your arms can reach to track your progress. This is your target for restoring the complete range of motion.

Step 3: Face a wall and stand with your toes six inches away from it. Keep your elbows slightly bent and place both hands on the wall.

Step 4: Climb your fingers up the wall, keeping your head and back straight, until you reach a comfortable tightness.

Step 5: Hold this position while gently inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Return to your starting position by climbing down the wall with your fingers.

Repeat 5 to ten times and you can also watch this video to guide you.

Side Bends

Step 1: Stand tall with your legs a bit wider than the hips and your right hand at your side.

Step 2: Stretch your right waist and shoulder by moving your head to the left. Slowly return to the starting position after a little pause.

Step 3: To finish one repeat, switch sides.

Do 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions each.

Do all these for at least the first three weeks and if you need further guidance, you can always refer to this video.

Conclusion

Having breast implants or any form of breast procedure should not prevent you from leading an active life. It is critical to mention the activities or exercises you participate in during your appointment with your surgeon. When exercising, always wear a supportive bra! It is important to wait until you are fully recovered and allowed by your doctor before beginning any further activities.