Exercising After Mastectomy and Lymph Node Removal

Exercising After Mastectomy and Lymph Node Removal

It is very important that you ask your physician when it is safe to begin exercising after a mastectomy. The role of the lymphatics is to serve as a filter and remove bacteria from the lymph fluid. If your lymph nodes have been removed, minor breaks or injury to the skin can result in infection.

It is important to not return to vigorous exercise too early in the healing process, as there is a risk of developing blood clots (axillary vein thrombosis) in the vein of the armpit. This can occur because the lymph nodes are very close to the vein, and scarring can damage the vein. It is important to follow the advice of your physician in order to prevent any injury to the area. Learn all you can about your lymph system and supporting it. Seek a professional lymphatic massage therapist to counsel you and help you maintain your lymph system. Self lymphatic massage may be of great help to you as well but you'll need to receive professional direction first.

At BreastHealthOnline we invite our members to look into the video titled "Alicethenics: Exercises to Increase Freedom of Movement After Breast Surgery" once their physician has given permission to return to gentle exercise. This video focuses on restoring flexibility to the upper areas of the body that have been affected by breast cancer treatment. Set to soft music, the explicit instructions are meant to ease muscle stiffness, renew lymphatic flow, and recondition the body and mind. You can learn more about Alicethenics at http://www.alicethenicsdvd.com.