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CONTINUE WITH:
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Add these additional exercises:
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SELF-MASSAGE:
All tissue that has been injured goes through stages of healing. As the healing process continues, it is not unusual for the tissues to get tight and inflexible. Surgical scars, no matter where, can be a problem. They tend to bind to the layers of soft tissue under them. However, you can decrease this binding and mobilize the scar(s) by simply moving the tissue and massaging the area will help it return to normal.
You can begin self-massage when your dressing is off and your incisions are without scabs. If one area is healing slowly, you can still massage other parts of the scar or the rest of the breast. Be very gentle over the scar since it is more fragile than other skin. Begin by lying on your back and picturing your breast area as a face of a clock. Use a hand cream so that you fingers slide over the skin. Touch your breast and see how the tissues move. When you find an area that feels not as mobile, make a mental note of what clock number. Start the massage with gentle stroking and circles. Go deeper into the tissue as tolerated. DO NOT CAUSE PAIN. The other surgical scars also need massage. Start slowly and then go deeper. Stroke in the direction of the scar and then across. Eventually you will be able to lift and roll the scar between you fingers. Keep adding more lotion as needed. Massage for one song, three times a day. You can spend the whole song on one area, but make sure all problem areas are massaged at least once a day.
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SHOULDER FLEXION - FINGER WALL WALK: 
Stand facing the wall. Walk the fingers of your surgical hand up the wall. Step closer to the wall as needed. Mark your progress with a pencil on the wall and challenge yourself to go a little higher each day. Slowly lower your arm using your other hand until you can use your shoulder muscles as a break against gravity. Repeat 5 times.
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SHOULDER ABDUCTION - FINDER WALL WALK: 
Stand with your surgical side to the wall. Walk your fingers up the wall. Step into the wall as needed. Mark your progress with a pencil on the wall and challenge yourself to go a little higher each day. Slowly lower your arm using the other hand until you can use your shoulder muscles as a break against gravity. Repeat 5 times.
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INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SHOULDER ROTATION: 
Lie on your back with your knees bent for comfort. Move your arm out away from body as far as tolerated. 90 degrees is the goal. Let the palm of your hand fall towards the bed or floor until it touches (90 degrees). Hold for a 10 count. Return to start. Repeat 5 times. Now let the back of your hand fall towards the bed or floor without lifting your back or shoulder. It will not touch the bed or floor (70 degrees). Hold for 10 count. Return to start. Repeat 5 times.
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BALL ROLLING - COMBINED SHOULDER MOVEMENT: 
Lie on your non-surgical side. Use pillows to support your head and between your knees for comfort. Place your hand or wrist on a softball and relax your arm completely. The ball can be placed even with your waist, bust line and above your head. Roll the ball slowly out away from body and back, up and down, and/or in circles. Feel your shoulder blade working, along with your shoulder, and a small amount of elbow movement. Explore these movements for 1 song on the radio.
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ROLLER CHEST STRETCH: 
Roll up blankets or large towels to make a roller 36" long and greater then 6 " in diameter. Lie down on the length of the roller with your knees bent. Keep your head on the roller. Move your arms away from your side, but still in contact with the floor. Feel a stretch in your upper chest and shoulder region. The goal is to stretch 90 degrees from the side. Hold for 1 song on the radio or relaxation tape.
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HAND BEHIND BACK TOWEL STRETCH: 
Grasp a towel behind your back with your surgical side being the lower hand. Gently pull your lower hand up your back. Hold for 10 count. Repeat 5 times.
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