Eliminate postoperative complications of breast cancer by exercising

After radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the pectoralis major and minor muscles are removed, resulting in impairment of the affected upper limb's functions such as raising, abduction, adduction, and weight-bearing. However, with modified radical mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery, the upper limb dysfunction caused by surgery is much milder. There is only limited movement or mild edema of the upper limb caused by the reduction of the skin area of ​​the affected chest and axilla and scar contracture. These symptoms can be completely restored through functional exercise.

For patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery, especially those who have undergone radical surgery, it is very important to restore the limb function on the operated side, which can be achieved through psychological care and physical exercise.

Psychological care is very important for breast cancer patients. Due to the damage to their self-image, patients often become depressed, lack the confidence and courage to face life, and do not take the initiative to recover and exercise. Family members should do a good job of ideological work, do not look at patients differently, and encourage patients to face life optimistically.

After radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the pectoralis major and minor muscles are removed, resulting in impairment of the affected upper limb's functions such as raising, abduction, adduction, and weight-bearing. However, with modified radical mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery, the upper limb dysfunction caused by surgery is much milder. There is only limited movement or mild edema of the upper limb caused by the reduction of the skin area of ​​the affected chest and axilla and scar contracture. These symptoms can be completely restored through functional exercise.

However, most patients are unwilling to perform functional exercises on their affected limbs on their own. However, systematic and standardized functional exercises on the affected upper limbs as soon as possible after surgery can promote blood and lymph return to the limbs and promote the recovery of limb function. This requires the responsible nurse to explain the importance of early functional exercises on the affected limbs to the patients, obtain the active cooperation of the patients, and guide the patients to perform standardized functional exercises on the affected limbs as soon as possible while observing the condition in a timely manner, so as to gain opportunities for the recovery of limb function.

Some common sequelae after breast cancer surgery include:

Joint stiffness

It is often caused by reduced activity after surgery, coupled with pain that causes fear of movement. The degree of activity can be maintained through positioning techniques and joint range of motion exercises. When joint stiffness and atrophy have occurred, heat therapy from the superficial to the deep layer, deep friction massage and some traction exercises can be used to soften the stiff fibers and connective tissues.

Lymphedema

Because the lymph nodes in the affected area are affected, lymphatic return is blocked, which in turn causes pain and swelling in the affected upper limb, and even affects the movement of the joints. Clinically, it can be measured simply by measuring the arm circumference. If the increase reaches two centimeters, it means that it is significant and requires active intervention treatment in the form of rehabilitation.

In the early stage of symptoms, the affected limb can be raised, or the patient can be instructed to massage the centripetal direction and cooperate with muscle pump activities. When the swelling intensifies, elastic bandages or air pump pressure can be used to promote the return of lymph fluid. However, when the affected area has secondary infection or tumor cells have spread, this type of treatment is absolutely contraindicated, so the root cause should be carefully evaluated by the doctor before this type of treatment can be adopted.

pain

After breast surgery, paresthesia, pain and discomfort on the same side are common, and there may even be postoperative phantom limb pain. If the symptoms persist, local massage or desensitization and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can be used to solve them. In addition, attention should be paid to whether there are local soft tissue lesions, such as supraspinatus biceps tendinitis and frozen shoulder on the affected side, which are common problems. In addition, some superficial venous thrombosis and thromboembolism, as well as neuropathy caused by radiation therapy, can all cause pain. Therefore, for patients with persistent pain, it is necessary to determine the cause through diagnosis and treatment by a doctor.

Muscle weakness and poor posture

Due to the partial tissue removal and reduced activity, muscle strength often decreases. You can gradually train muscle strength by doing some activities. If the patient's weakness persists, it is also necessary to rule out whether the brachial nerve is injured, so as not to delay the patient's treatment or even cause secondary injury.

In short, after surgery, patients should start various exercises to maintain muscle strength and joint mobility. If the affected area feels pulled or painful, you should relax and then continue the exercise, gradually moving from simple to complex movements. Generally speaking, light activities are the main thing before discharge. Moderate activities are the main thing in the first month after discharge, and weights should not exceed three to five pounds. After one month, heavier activities can be carried out. If you suspect that sequelae will occur, you must consult a doctor to avoid delaying the condition.

Postoperative rehabilitation exercises for breast cancer

Reasonable postoperative rehabilitation exercises and proper psychological care can enable patients to restore their physiological functions and self-confidence to the greatest extent, recover from the physical and psychological impact of cancer as soon as possible, and start a new life.

1. Hair Combing Exercise

Place the elbow of the affected upper limb on the bedside cabinet, stand straight, and comb your hair from one side first, then the whole head. Do not move too much, but proceed step by step.

2. Wall climbing method

Stand straight with your feet apart and facing the wall, stretch your hands out at shoulder level on the wall and climb up, then repeat. Practice several times a day, mark the height you can climb each time, and strive to improve each time you practice.

3. Upper limb rotation method

Place your healthy arm on the back of a chair, put your forehead on your arm, let the affected upper limb hang naturally, and swing it forward, backward, left, or right or draw a circle. When you feel your arm relax, you can increase the swing amplitude or the radius of the circle until your arm relaxes.

4. Bra-tying method

Stretch your upper limbs, then bend your elbows and place your hands at the level of your bra on your back.

5. Upper limb movement method

Lie flat on the bed or floor, use a cushion or pillow to support your head and shoulders, clasp your hands together, straighten your elbows, lift your upper limbs close to your head, slowly lower them, and repeat.

6. Shoulder rotation

While seated, place your hands loosely on your thighs, hunch your shoulders up toward your ears, and then rotate your shoulders back and down while taking a deep breath. Repeat the same number of times forward and backward.