Post 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. Keeping the head of the bed slightly elevated may also improve comfort.
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.
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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—just within a limited range.
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 swellingRednessSharp 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.
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2. Scapular Retraction & Protraction
Squeeze your shoulder blades together, then reach forward. Improves posture and scapular control. Can be done lying down or standing.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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4. Daily Stretching Is Key
Especially helpful if you have lingering stiffness from surgery.A few minutes of stretching each day can greatly improve comfort and mobility.
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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—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.
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2. Shoulder Rolls (Forward & Backward)
Imagine oiling a rusty hinge—gentle motion is key to joint recovery.
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3. Standing Butterfly Stretch
Open arms wide like wings, then bring palms together in front of the chest. Helps with chest flexibility and posture.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Preventing and Treating Lymphedema
Dos and Don'ts After Surgery
Rehabilitation Exercises Weeks 0-8
Treating Axillary Cording
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Dos and Don'ts after breast cancer surgery
Have you just had surgery?
In this video, Oncology Physical Therapist Laurie Pepin will walk you through the essential dos and don’ts for the first two weeks post-surgery to help you heal safely and comfortably. Learn how to manage drains, reduce swelling, regain mobility, and avoid common mistakes that could slow recovery.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
Rehab exercises weeks 0-2 post operation
If your doctor has cleared you, begin these gentle mobility exercises within the first two weeks after surgery to help regain range of motion in your arm and shoulder. Perform slow, controlled movements within a comfortable range to support healing and reduce stiffness.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
Rehab exercises weeks 2-4 post operation
If your doctor has cleared you, begin these gentle stretching exercises 2 to 4 weeks after surgery to improve shoulder and arm flexibility. Perform slow, controlled movements within a comfortable range to reduce tightness and support recovery.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
Rehab exercises weeks 4-8 post operation
If your doctor has cleared you, begin these exercises 4 to 8 weeks after surgery to gradually build strength and improve arm mobility. Focus on controlled resistance movements within a comfortable range to enhance flexibility and support long-term recovery.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
What is Lymphedema and how do I treat it?
If you've had breast cancer surgery, stay aware of lymphedema, a common post-surgical condition that can cause arm swelling and discomfort. Early detection and proper management can help prevent complications and improve long-term recovery.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
How to prevent lymphedema after breast cancer surgery
Lymphedema affects 1 in 5 women after breast cancer treatment, causing swelling due to lymph fluid buildup. Learn key prevention strategies, including gentle exercises, proper skin care, and compression techniques, to reduce your risk and support lymphatic health.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
How to self-wrap your arm to manage lymphedema
Join Ms. Pepin as she demonstrates the step-by-step process of wrapping your own arm for lymphedema management. Need supplies? Order a complete lymphedema wrapping kit from Women’s Health AI.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
How to wrap someone's arm as a care giver
Join Ms. Pepin as she demonstrates the step-by-step process of wrapping a patient’s arm for lymphedema management. Need supplies? Order a complete lymphedema wrapping kit from Women’s Health AI.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
Rehab exercises to treat lymphedema
If your doctor has cleared you, these exercises can help manage lymphedema by promoting lymphatic flow and reducing swelling. Perform them gently within a comfortable range to encourage fluid drainage and improve mobility.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
What is Axillary Cording? How should I treat it?
Axillary cording, also known as "cording" or axillary web syndrome (AWS), is a common but often unexpected side effect after breast cancer surgery, especially procedures involving lymph node removal. If you're experiencing tight, rope-like cords under your arm, pain, or limited movement, you're not alone.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.
Rehab exercises to treat Axillary Cording
Targeted stretches and mobility exercises to treat axillary cording, a common post-surgical complication that causes tight, rope-like bands under the arm. This video demonstrates step-by-step techniques to release tension, improve shoulder movement, and support lymphatic healing.
**Disclaimer: This information is for general use and is not patient-specific. Women's Health AI is not liable for any injuries that may occur.