When Can I Begin Exercising after Mastectomy?
How Is Energy Affected?
Fatigue is a potential side effect of surgery. It follows on the heels of radiation and chemotherapy, too. As your body heals, it channels energy toward repairing and rebuilding cells. It’s common for fatigue to last four to six weeks after radiation treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute (N.C.I). Dips in red blood cells stemming from certain chemotherapy drugs may make fatigue vary from week to week. Many women find their exhaustion snowballs as treatment proceeds. Other medical and emotional issues also may play a role. Discuss persistent exhaustion with your doctor, who can help identify root problems and suggest solutions. Some small, preliminary studies suggest light to moderate walking or other activities help boost energy in those coping with cancer.
How Can I Help My Body Recover?
To recover as fully as possible, you need to regain comfortable upright posture and establish balance in flexibility and strength on both sides. Rebuilding energy and endurance is essential, too. Each element of our program will help you move forward at a gradual pace. Walking and posture checks are essential when you are recovering from your surgery. Stretching and balance exercises are key, too. Strength exercises will help you regain lost ground. Information on when to begin exercising and how to exercise safely as well as the actual workouts. Recovery from a mastectomy may take a while, especially if you also are undergoing chemotherapy. Usually, it takes three to six weeks before strength and energy improve enough for you to begin returning to most activities, though it may be longer before you truly feel like yourself
When Can I Begin Exercising?
Obtain your surgeon’s permission before you start our exercise program or add new exercises. Review the exercises you plan to do and discuss any limitations, such as not reaching above shoulder height in the first weeks after surgery during the early healing phase. Make sure you understand the tips for exercising safely explained You’ll find exercises, workouts, and a plan for getting started.T he right timing for beginning to exercise varies depending on the speed of your recovery and the advice of your surgeon. Typically, you’ll be encouraged to start walking the day after your surgery.
Usually, activities that do not require you to lift your arm higher than shoulder height are safe at this point, too. Within one or two weeks, you may be able to perform the balance exercises also. Two weeks after surgery, as long as your surgical drains have been removed, you may be able to add the stretching exercises. Once you can easily stand upright and have regained a full or comfortable range of motion, you should be able to begin our light strength-training exercises. Generally, this workout can be added four weeks after your surgery.