Rebuilding Arm Strength with Exercises After Lymph Node Removal

Arm Exercises to Rebuild Strength After Lymph Node Removal Surgery

Lymph node removal, also known as axillary lymph node dissection, is a common procedure during breast cancer surgery. It involves removing lymph nodes from the underarm area to check if cancer has started spreading beyond the original tumor site.

While a necessary part of cancer staging and treatment, lymph node removal surgery can damage muscles and nerves in the armpit and arm area. This often leads to mobility limitations, pain, swelling and loss of strength in the affected arm and shoulder.

Starting gentle exercises under medical guidance is key to regaining strength and range of motion within safe limits during recovery. With time and consistency, a customized fitness regimen can help you perform daily tasks comfortably again.

Understanding Arm Limitations After Surgery

To understand why arm mobility becomes restricted post lymph node removal, it helps to first review the surgery details:

• An incision is made in the underarm to remove 10-40 lymph nodes
• Lymphatic drainage channels may get damaged
• Nerves that energize arm and shoulder muscles can get cut
• Muscles close to armpit may be affected during tissue removal

These surgical factors often impair normal shoulder joint, muscle and nerve functioning required for unhindered arm movements. Fluid build up is also common post surgery, causing uncomfortable swelling.

Start Arm Strengthening Exercises Gradually

Your doctor will provide guidelines on when to start regaining arm mobility based on surgery details and healing. Generally after drain removal once discharge reduces, you can begin with gentle shoulder and arm motions.

It is crucial not to overdo activity that could tear internal stitches or exacerbate swelling early on. But avoiding using the arm entirely can also increase stiffness over time.

Slow, progressive strengthening exercises under occupational therapy guidance enables you to rebuild arm endurance in a safe manner. This facilitates returning to normal work and activity without risking injury or chronic dysfunction.

Arm Exercise Options After Lymph Node Removal Surgery

The right exercises to rehabilitate the arm depend on factors like:

• Location of lymph node removal
• Scope of muscle/nerve damage
• Level of postsurgical pain and swelling

Keep these parameters in mind when performing flexibility and strength building exercises. Your therapist can determine suitable options and adjusting resistance levels over time accordingly.

Shoulder Rolls

One of the simplest ways to get shoulder joints moving again without strain is shoulder rolls:

• Stand or sit tall keeping back straight
• Slowly roll shoulders forward to bring them close to your ears
• Next gradually roll shoulders backwards in a circular motion
• Repeat 5-10 times once or twice daily

Passive Arm Swings

Gentle pendulum-like swinging motions can help increase arm mobility too. But get someone to guide your arm instead of actively swinging it after node removal:

• Stand near a wall/chair you can hold for balance with other hand
• Let operated arm hang straight down in relaxed position
• Helper holds arm above wrist and lightly swings back & forth
• Repeat for a few mins daily, slowly increasing time

Supported Arm Raises

As you progress, raising the affected arm upwards against gravity with some support can build strength. But use caution not to strain injuries:

• Hold hand of operated arm with other hand for support
• Keeping elbow straight, gently lift arm forwards and upwards
• Raise only until you feel mild tension without pain
• Hold for 5 seconds before slowly lowering arm

Repeat in 5-10 reps once daily, increasing reps over 2-4 weeks.

Wall Push Ups

Light resistance exercises like wall push ups can boost arm and shoulder resilience as you heal:

• Stand facing wall slightly farther than arm's length away
• Lean body towards wall, bend elbows and touch wall palms
• Push against wall with palms to return to start position
• Repeat 8-12 times, 1-2 sets daily

Assisted Arm Curls

Arm curls utilizing resistance bands/light weights help rebuild upper body strength in a gradual manner:

• Tie light resistance band to fixed structure close to shoulder height
• Stand holding band with affected arm
• Keeping elbow fixed by side, slowly curl arm upwards
• Hold contraction briefly before controlled return
• Repeat 10 times, 1-2 sets daily

Other Postoperative Care Tips

Alongside sequential mobility exercises, certain precautions and self-care steps also facilitate safer arm and shoulder rehabilitation:

Monitoring Swelling

Use cold/hot packs as needed to alleviate postoperative swelling that limits arm mobility. Keep the limb propped on pillows to promote drainage while resting.

Supporting Arm

Wearing a well-fitted compression garment daily helps provide comfort by keeping arm supported during activity.

Stretching Chest Muscles

Front chest area tightness after node removal surgery indirectly restricts arm range of motion. Seek help from caregiver or therapist to gently stretch chest muscles and work on posture.

Pacing Yourself

Build physical endurance progressively each week without exhausting surgical sites early on into recovery. Allow adequate rest between exercise repetitions based on fatigue levels.

Staying motivated with arm rehabilitation can require some patience after surgery. But once strength rebuilds near normal baseline again, you can comfortably perform most daily life and work responsibilities just as before.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.