How to perform functional exercises on the affected limb after breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer is a health "killer" of female breasts. After breast cancer occurs, surgery should be performed in time. After surgery, patients must pay attention to the protection and exercise of the affected limbs, try not to lift heavy objects or carry backpacks, and avoid prolonged sagging. At the same time, they should also pay attention to functional exercises, such as rehabilitation exercises, pulling rings, etc., and adhere to various treatments and follow up regularly.

Practice making a fist, extending fingers, and flexing wrists 1-2 days after surgery;

3-4 days after surgery, forearm flexion exercise;

5-7 days after surgery, the affected hand should touch the opposite shoulder and the same ear (the healthy limb can also be used to support the affected limb); 8-10 days after surgery, practice raising, straightening, and flexing the shoulder joint to 90 degrees;

Ten days after the operation, the shoulder joint was trained by wall climbing and equipment.

After getting up and moving around, we will guide you to do rehabilitation exercises based on your specific situation.

14 days after surgery, the affected limb can go around the top of the head and touch the ear on the other side.

The following points should be noted when exercising the affected limb: limit shoulder joint movement within 7 days after surgery to avoid affecting flap healing; reduce the number of exercises when subcutaneous effusion occurs; and those who undergo breast reconstruction should postpone shoulder joint movement.

How to protect the affected limb after surgery

In radical breast cancer surgery, the return of lymph fluid in the upper limbs is hindered because the axillary lymph nodes are cleared. Tissue fluid accumulates under the skin and edema of the affected limb is likely to occur. At the same time, tissue fluid is also a good culture medium. Once there is a wound, bacterial infection is likely to occur, and the infection is difficult to control. Therefore, the protection of the affected limb after surgery is a lifelong concern.

1. Do not draw blood, perform intravenous injections, or measure blood pressure on the affected limb.

2. Do not lift heavy objects or carry a backpack with the affected limb; avoid hanging it down for long periods of time; raise it appropriately when sleeping to avoid pressure.

3. Avoid skin damage and infection on the affected limb. Avoid mosquito bites; once the skin is damaged, it should be disinfected locally and antibiotics should be used appropriately. If the condition is serious, the patient should go to the hospital for treatment.

4. Avoid wearing tight accessories, such as rings and watches.

How to practice self-care and health

1. Maintain a cheerful and optimistic mood, pay attention to rest, combine work and rest, and participate in outdoor activities appropriately to increase the body's immunity.

2. Underwear should be soft, loose, and made of pure cotton to reduce irritation to the skin of the surgical wound.

3. Eat more high-protein, high-vitamin, low-fat and easily digestible food. Generally, there is no need to avoid certain foods after surgery, but foods and health products containing hormones should be used with caution.

4. Avoid pregnancy within 5 years after surgery, as pregnancy can easily cause breast cancer to recur.

5. You can wear prosthetic breasts.

6. Adhere to functional exercises, such as rehabilitation exercises, "wall climbing", pulling rings, etc., for more than one year.

7. Pay attention to protecting the affected limb.

8. Adhere to various treatments: such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, etc.

9. Regular outpatient follow-up.