Shoulder Rehabilitation and Exercise After Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery—whether it involves tumor removal, lymph node excision, or a mastectomy—is life-saving but can affect the shoulder and upper body. Many women experience reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, swelling, and postural changes, which can make everyday tasks such as lifting, reaching, or dressing more difficult. Following a structured breast cancer surgery rehabilitation and exercise program can help restore shoulder function and improve quality of life after the treatment.

How Breast Cancer Surgery Impacts Shoulder Function

Surgical procedures can disrupt muscles, connective tissue, and lymphatic circulation. Scar tissue may form, muscles can weaken due to inactivity, and lymphatic disruption may cause arm swelling (lymphedema). After surgery, the shoulder often develops compensatory movement patterns to protect the surgical site, which can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and postural changes over time.

These changes go beyond appearance—they can affect strength, stability, and coordination. Weakness in the shoulder blade and surrounding muscles can make lifting and controlling the arm difficult. Without guided exercise and rehabilitation, women may face long-term limitations in shoulder function.

Why Breast Cancer Surgery Rehabilitation and Exercise Matter

Recovery after breast cancer surgery is more than letting the incision heal. A carefully planned program of rehabilitation exercises provides multiple benefits:

• Maintains shoulder mobility and prevents stiffness.

• Rebuilds strength in the shoulder and upper back muscles.

• Supports good posture and proper scapular mechanics.

• Encourages healthy lymphatic flow and reduces swelling.

• Prevents compensatory movement patterns that can cause pain elsewhere.

Early, gentle exercises help preserve function and create a foundation for gradual strengthening. A personalized approach ensures the program matches each woman’s surgery, treatment, and physical condition.

You will find some exercise tips a the end of the article.

Risks of Skipping Rehabilitation

Neglecting rehabilitation can have significant consequences. Research shows that women who do not engage in early, structured exercises are more likely to develop persistent stiffness, reduced shoulder mobility, chronic pain, and long-term functional limitations.

Evidence also highlights that:

• Early exercises improve shoulder range of motion and upper-limb function after breast cancer surgery.

• Consistent rehabilitation lowers the risk of chronic pain, compensatory movements, and lymphedema.

• Starting mobility exercises early generally leads to better recovery outcomes than delaying rehabilitation.

Without intervention, scar tissue and adhesions can limit movement, disrupt lymphatic flow, and strain other areas such as the neck, back, or healthy shoulder. Everyday tasks may become more difficult, and overall quality of life can be affected.

Conclusion

Recovery after breast cancer surgery involves more than letting the incision heal. Early and consistent rehabilitation exercises are key to preventing stiffness, rebuilding strength, and restoring shoulder function.

Even simple movements in the first weeks can make a real difference. To achieve full recovery, women benefit from a progressive, individualized exercise plan guided by a qualified professional. This approach ensures safe progression, minimizes complications, and helps women regain confidence and independence in daily life.

Early Exercise Phase: Weeks 1–2

Goal: Protect the surgical site, maintain gentle movement, reduce swelling, and prevent stiffness.

Precautions:

• Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

• Avoid heavy lifting, overhead reaching, or sudden movements.

• Perform exercises within pain-free range.

• Monitor incision, swelling, and signs of infection or lymphedema.

  
  

Key Focus Areas:

• Pain management and gentle movement: Encourage circulation without stressing tissues.

• Scapular awareness: Prevent postural compensations.

• Lymphatic circulation: Reduce risk of swelling.

  
  

Suggested Exercises:

1. Pendulum swings: Lean forward, allow the arm to swing gently in circles. 1–2 min, 2–3 times/day.

2. Shoulder blade squeezes (gentle): Sit or stand tall, gently retract scapula, hold 2–3 sec, 10 reps, 2–3 times/day.

3. Elbow flexion/extension: Slowly bend and straighten the elbow while supported. 10–15 reps, 2–3 times/day.

4. Finger and hand movement: Open/close fists, spread fingers to maintain dexterity

Tips:

• Apply ice or gentle compression if swelling is present.

• Encourage upright posture while sitting to avoid shoulder rounding.

Even these simple movements can make a noticeable difference in comfort and shoulder function during the first weeks after surgery.

Gradually Progressing Your Exercise Plan

Recovery continues beyond the first two weeks. To regain full strength, shoulder stability, and function, exercises should gradually evolve. This typically includes more active range-of-motion exercises, gentle strengthening of the shoulder and upper back, postural training, and functional movement practice.

Because each woman’s situation is different—depending on the type of breast cancer surgery, additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, other present side-effects, and overall fitness—a personalised exercise plan supervised by a professional is important. Progressive guidance ensures safe advancement, minimises complications such as stiffness or lymphedema, and supports confidence and independence in daily activities.

At STRONGYOU Studio, we are experts in helping women recover shoulder strength and mobility after breast cancer surgery. Our tailored exercise programs support safe, progressive rehabilitation, reduce pain, and restore confidence in daily movement.

Some References

1. PubMed 39282024 – Effect of physical exercise on postoperative shoulder mobility and upper limb function in patients with breast cancer

2. PubMed 35902321 – Rehabilitation for Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Early, Unrestricted Exercise Programs on Upper Limb Function

3. PubMed 40859515 – Exercise-based interventions for postoperative rehabilitation in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

4. PubMed 31480855 – Effectiveness of early rehabilitation on range of motion, muscle strength and arm function after breast cancer surgery: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

5. PubMed 20556760 – Exercise interventions for upper-limb dysfunction due to breast cancer treatment