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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Exercises After Mastectomy

Exercises After Mastectomy

Overview

After breast surgery (mastectomy), you may feel some pain going down your arm. Your shoulder and arm may be stiff and hard to move. You may also have some loss of feeling there.

The basic exercises described here will help you start moving your arm. But be careful not to overdo it. For example, don't lift anything heavy with your arm until your doctor says it's okay.

Getting started with exercises

Don't start to exercise until your doctor says it's okay. If you are not sure how to do an exercise, don't start it until your doctor or physical therapist shows you exactly how to do it.

Stop exercising if your arm or chest area hurts or begins to swell. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms. Also call your doctor if you have problems doing an exercise or if it hurts.

Wear loose-fitting clothing while you do your exercises.

Use your arm for your usual activities, such as brushing your teeth and hair.

Special exercises that will help you get back your strength and flexibility include:

  • Shoulder shrug.
  • Shoulder roll.
  • Shoulder blade stretch.
  • Overhead reach.
  • Shoulder pinch.
  • Wall climb.
  • Elbow circles.

See pictures of how to do these exercises.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your exercises cause pain or are hard to do.
  • You have fluid buildup in your arm.
  • You notice swelling anywhere in your arm, armpit, or chest area.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.

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Related Links

Mastectomy (Removal of the Breast) for Breast Cancer Breast Cancer, Metastatic or Recurrent Breast Cancer

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