Arm Exercises

Arm exercises were the last thing on my mind after my mastectomy. My reach to recovery volunteer demonstrated exercises post-surgical arm me and described his shoulder problems after breast surgery. I felt good, so I skipped doing the exercises--a bad decision. Slowly, I developed a frozen shoulder and then a clear case of lymphedema. Don't make my mistake. Talk to your doctor to make these arm exercises and then begin to move gently down the road to recovery. If you've had breast surgery, lymph node removal or radiation of the breast, you have to do some exercises to help you recover. Arm exercises can help you reduce the side effects of treatment and return to normal activities.

Breast surgery can affect the range of motion in your arm and shoulder. A mastectomy, Lumpectomy or breast reconstruction change your balance and affects the lymphatic circulation and nerves. These in turn can lead to shoulder stiffness and problems with bathing, Dressing and grooming. When the lymph nodes were removed, you can develop some Lymphedema hand or arm. Exercises, and in some cases, sleeves can help prevent and relieve these side effects.

Breast radiation can change easily as breathing, as well as affect the arm and shoulder during and several months after treatment. Why breast radiation can sometimes affect the lungs, deep breathing exercises can be necessary to help you regain your lung capacity. If the arm and shoulder are affected equally, arm exercises can help loosen and stretch the muscles and connective tissue.

Be sure to discuss plans with your doctor before you start. The doctor may refer to a physical therapist or a Reach to recovery volunteer, so that you can learn the proper way to arm exercises.

Wait until the Surgical drains are out to begin the exercise. There is no need to strain stitch the company that maintains the drainage tube in place on your chest. If your chest incision points are still in force, moving gently in order to avoid tearing the skin or causing the engraving of fold. Once that discharges are gone and the points are out, you can start this exercise (as you feel able). Do any of the years to the point of pain.

For any exercise routine, good preparation helps you reach your goals. You want to retrieve the arm movement, reduce pain and swelling and return to normal activities. Here are some things to keep in mind before you begin: wear loose and comfortable clothing for exercise. It is not looking good; it comes to feel better and move easily. Try taking a hot shower or a tub of rest before beginning the exercises to relax the muscles. This can also reduce pain. Alternatively, try taking ibuprofen approximately 30 minutes before exercise. It can also help a package hot on your shoulder for 20 minutes. Do the exercises slowly and gently--you're going for a good stretch, not a burn or a new speed record. Pain is a signal that should stop, stand or work more gently. Remember to breathe deeply and out while exercising. You have to inflate your lungs, bringing oxygen in your body, then relax and breathe. It is normal to feel some tightness in your chest and Axilla after breast surgery, and where they were cut the nerves, you may feel numb. Exercising gently help alleviate these feelings.Any good exercise routine must be regular, so building this into your schedule. Withdrawn twice a day when you can go through a series of exercises of arm. Play calming music, positive while you stretch. Repeat each exercise five to seven times, as well as you can. How you recover, you can add repetitions or stretch a little further. If you can do the exercises, or are painful, consult your doctor. And if you do not notice any improvement in the movement of the arm exercise, get your doctor to assess your range of motion and discuss your options. You can get your arms and shoulders on the move again, but it takes time. Don't give up.

Sources:

Exercises after breast surgery. American Cancer Society. Access: June 2009; Last update: 30/07/2008.

Exercise and secondary Lymphedema: safety, the potential benefits and research themes. Hayes SC, Reul-Hirche winning entry H, Turner j Med Sci Sports Exerc. Mar 2009; 41 (3): 483-9.

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