Print

Rusk Lumpectomy Post Operative Exercises

The following exercises are safe to do after your lumpectomy. It is normal to feel some pulling as you stretch the skin that has been shortened due to surgery. You should not feel pain as you do the exercises, only gentle stretching. Breathe normally throughout the exercise.

 

Perform one set of 10 repetitions for each exercise, 3 times a day. The exercises should be done on the same side you had the lumpectomy on. If you had a double lumpectomy, the exercises should be done on both sides.

 

During the first six weeks after surgery, you may have a lifting restriction put in place by your surgeon. These exercises are safe to be done while these restrictions are in place. Please contact your surgeon if you have questions about these restrictions.

 

Shoulder Rolls Warm up in Standing

 

  • Stand up straight and prepare to start the shoulder roll exercise.

  • Shrug your shoulders up towards your ears.

  • Then slowly roll them backwards and downwards while trying to squeeze your shoulder blades together behind you.

  • Relax and return back the starting position.

 

Wall Finger Walks – Forward

 

  • Place your hand against the wall in front of you.

  • Walk your fingers all the way up the wall as high as you can go.

  • Walk your fingers back down to the starting position.

Note: Make sure both of your shoulders are pointing straight towards the wall the whole time.

 

Wall Finger Walks – To The Side

 

  • Stand up straight with the side of your shoulder facing the wall.

  • Take your hand to your side and place your fingers against the wall.

  • Walk your fingers all the way up the wall as high as you can go.

  • Walk your fingers back down to the starting position.

Note: Make sure your shoulders are pointing straight forwards. Do not hunch your shoulders.

 

Shoulder Stretch - Hands Behind Head

  • Sit up straight in a chair. Lift your hands to touch the side of your head, just behind your ears.

  • Point your elbows forward.

  • Keeping your posture directly upright, move your elbows out to the sides. Hold this position for 5 seconds.

  • Return your elbows to the front and continue to move your elbows to the side and back. You should feel the movement in your upper back.

 

Trunk Side Bending Stretch - Hands Behind Head

  • Sit up straight in a chair. Lift your hands to touch the side of your head, just behind your ears with your elbows pointing out to the sides.

  • Holding this position with your arms, lean your upper body to one side and hold for 5 seconds.

  • Then lean to the other side and hold for another 5 seconds. You should feel the movement in your sides and upper back.

 

Hand Behind Back Stretch

  • Stand up straight.

  • Take your arm behind your back.

  • Try to slide your hand as far up your back, towards your shoulder blades, as you can and hold for 5 seconds.

  • Carefully bring your arm back down to the starting position.

 

©2024 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.