Arm & shoulder exercises after breast surgery

We describe how to perform arm and shoulder exercises after surgery for breast cancer. The exercises aim to gradually improve the movement of your arm and shoulder and help get you back to your usual activities.

Learn more about:

• Before you begin
• What you should expect
• Level one exercises
  • Shoulder rolls
  • Elbow stretch
  • Wrist exercise
  • Hand squeeze
• Level two exercises
  • Arm stretch
  • Arm lift
  • Hands on head
  • Hands behind neck
  • Wall crawl

Before you begin

Talk to your doctor, breast care nurse, nurse, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist before starting the Level one and Level two exercises.

The timelines suggested are a guide only and the time that is right for you will vary – your health care team will let you know which exercises to do and when to do them.

Level one exercises can be started the day after surgery. You can usually use your affected arm normally, up to shoulder height, for light activities from the day after your surgery.

Level two exercises can be started after the drains have been removed or when your health care professionals say you can move your shoulder.

These exercises should not cause pain. Let your doctor or breast care nurse know if you experience any pain or discomfort.

What you should expect

With these exercises, you should regain most arm and shoulder movement and function one month after the operation. If improvement is slow, or if you have trouble doing the exercises, your doctor, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can give you different exercises to try.

→ READ MORE: Level one exercises