In patients who have undergone breast surgery, pain and tightness at the surgical wound may occur, causing reluctance to move or use the arm on the operated side. This can lead to adhesive capsulitis, limiting shoulder movement, which affects daily life. Therefore, prevention of adhesive capsulitis should be done by exercising from the early stages.
- Breathing exercises combined with shoulder exercises aim to improve lung ventilation and increase shoulder range of motion.
- The patient sits with the arm resting by the side, then raises the arm overhead as high as possible while inhaling through the nose. Then, lower the arm back down while slowly exhaling through the mouth. Repeat 5-10 times.
- The patient sits with the arm resting by the side, then spreads the arms out to the sides until both hands touch above the head as high as possible while inhaling through the nose. Then, lower the arms back down while slowly exhaling through the mouth. Repeat 5-10 times.
- The patient sits with both arms in front, then spreads the arms wide to the sides as far as possible while inhaling through the nose. Then, lower the arms back in front while slowly exhaling through the mouth. Repeat 5-10 times.
- Shoulder muscle stretching exercises aim to prevent adhesive capsulitis.
- Interlock both hands behind the neck, then spread the elbows apart as far as possible until a stretch is felt. Hold for about 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
- Raise the arm on the operated side close to the ear and bend the elbow. Then, use the other hand to reach behind the head and pull the elbow inward until a stretch is felt. Hold for about 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
- Extend the arm on the operated side in front, raise it perpendicular to the body. Then, use the other arm to hold under the elbow and pull across the body until a stretch is felt. Hold for about 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
- Cross the arm on the operated side behind the back, holding the lower end of a towel. The other hand lifts to hold the upper end of the towel, then pull the upper arm upward to slide the lower arm up until a stretch is felt. Hold for about 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
- Positioning and exercises to reduce swelling aim to reduce arm swelling.
- Prop the arm on a pillow higher than the body level. Move the fist or bend and straighten the elbow. Can be repeated as often as possible.
