@alignedbyashh: PT Post-Mastectomy: Stretching Gaining range of motion following a mastectomy, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, is super important! According to randomized data, starting stretching within 1-3 days of surgery improves shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength without increasing lymphedema, serum, or wound complications when tailored to the patient. Evidence based programs share a common structure including; a warm up, ROM/stretching in 3 planes (flexion, abduction, and abduction with external rotation), a daily pectoral stretch, and later addition of resistance work (1). Here are the three range of motion stretches you can do when cleared by your surgeon: 1. Flexion 2. Abduction 3. Abduction with External Rotation Remember if you have your drains, keep your shoulder flexion/abduction to roughly 90 degrees until the drains are removed, then discuss progressing towards moving through fuller ranges of motion without sharp pain (2) . 1. Early Implementation of Exercise to Facilitate Recovery After Breast Cancer Surgery (JAMA Surgery 2024. Min J, Kim JY, Rye J, et al) 2. Factors affecting shoulder joint range of motion after breast cancer surgery: a retrospective cohort study in Japan; Supportive Care in Cancer: Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. 2026. Toyama S, Ozeki M, Nagano N, et al. #mastectomy #recovery #physicaltherapy #stretching #evidencebased

Ashley

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Saturday 05 September 2026 11:50:31 GMT