INDIA Breast Cancer Surgery Rehabilitation Program
Enhance recovery with free, expert-led video exercises from Womens-Health.ai designed to restore mobility and prevent complications like Lymphedema
Why is this program so important?
Oncology & Lymphedema Physical Therapist
Surgical & Molecular Oncologist
Post Mastectomy with Reconstruction
What you should know from a breast cancer specialist
1. Prioritize Rest
Avoid strenuous activities like cleaning, cooking, or lifting. Arrange for help with daily tasks and childcare. When resting, elevate your legs and the affected arm using pillows.
2. Gentle Movement is Key
Take short 2–3 minute walks around the house a few times a day. This helps with circulation and prevents stiffness.
3. Keep Your Arms Low (But Don’t Baby Them)
For the first 10–14 days post-op (until drains are removed), avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height. However, use your arms normally for basic tasks like eating, dressing, and brushing your teeth.
4. Support Your Body While Resting
Use pillows to support your arms and legs when lying down. Comfort and gentle positioning help prevent swelling and stiffness.
5. Know the Warning Signs
Some swelling is expected, but watch for: sudden increase in swelling, redness, sharp or increasing pain
Post Lat Flap Reconstruction Exercises
What you should know from a breast cancer specialist
1. Shoulder Flexion in Supine (Assisted Arm Raise)
Lie on your back and slowly lift your arm just to shoulder height. This helps restore range of motion gently.
2. Scapular Retraction & Protraction
Squeeze your shoulder blades together, then reach forward. Improves posture and scapular control. Can be done lying down or standing.
3. Wall Walking (Sideways)
Stand next to a wall and place your hand against it.
Walk your fingers sideways and upward, stopping when you feel mild resistance.
4. Side Body Stretch
Once you regain decent arm mobility, gently lean away from the surgical side. This stretch targets tightness along the torso and underarm.
5. Butterfly Stretch
With palms facing outward, move your arms in and out like you're giving a big hug. Great for opening up the chest and improving mobility.
6. Deep Rib Cage Stretch & Breathing
Stretch the area around your rib cage to reduce tightness and expand the scar tissue. Follow with deep, diaphragmatic breathing to aid healing.
During and After Chemotherapy Guidelines
What you should know from a breast cancer specialist
1. Rest & Hydrate
Make rest a priority. Your body is still working hard to heal.
Stay well-hydrated to help with fatigue, digestion, and cellular recovery. If you're still going through chemo, expect low-energy days at the start of each cycle. Naps are not just okay...they're necessary.
2. Use Your Energy Wisely
Think of your energy as a limited number of “tickets.”Spend them on what matters most (like time with loved ones) instead of tasks like cleaning or errands.Give yourself permission to prioritize recovery over productivity.
3. Move Your Body Gently
You don’t need structured workouts, any movement helps. Take a walk. Stretch. Dance in your kitchen. Movement boosts circulation, reduces fatigue, and supports emotional well-being.
4. Daily Stretching Is Key
Especially helpful if you have lingering stiffness from surgery.
5. Watch for Lymphedema
Be alert for unusual swelling that doesn’t go away, especially in the arms, chest, or underarm. Early detection is crucial, so report any concerns to your medical team promptly.
Post-Abdominal Flap Surgery Exercises
What you should know from a breast cancer specialist
1. Shoulder Shrugs
Slowly lift your shoulders, then release. Helps reduce tension in the neck and upper back. Make sure you do this standing.
2. Shoulder Rolls (Forward & Backward)
Imagine oiling a rusty hinge—gentle motion is key to joint recovery.
3. Standing Butterfly Stretch
Open arms wide like wings, then bring palms together in front of the chest. Helps with chest flexibility and posture.
4. Back Scratch Stretch
Reach one arm over your shoulder and one up behind your back. Go only as far as comfortable—never force range.
5. Side Arm Raises
Slowly raise your arm out to the side, but no higher than shoulder level. Stop if you feel discomfort or resistance. Smooth, slow motion is the goal.
During and After Radiation Stretches
What you should know from a breast cancer specialist
1. Modified Sun Salutation (Prayer Stretch)
Stand tall.
Inhale as you gently raise your arms overhead.
Exhale as you fold halfway forward, stopping where it feels comfortable.
Movements should be smooth, controlled, and pain-free.
2. Open Book Stretch
Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands together in front of you.
Slowly rotate one arm out to the side, opening up the chest, as if turning a page in a book.
This helps release tension in the chest wall and spine, common areas of radiation tightness.
3. Thread the Needle
From a slight forward bend, slide one arm under the other.
This stretches the mid-back and shoulders...areas that often stiffen with radiation therapy.
General Guidelines:
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Don't worry if your movement is limited at first. Improvement comes gradually with daily practice.
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All stretches should be gentle and non-painful.
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Unless otherwise advised by your medical team, other types of physical activity—such as walking, light cardio, and low-impact strength training—are safe to continue during radiation based on your energy levels.
