What are the BREAST exercises during and after cancer treatment?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for females. Thankfully with new technologies involved in diagnosing and treatment the five year survival rate is high at 90%! Exercise is becoming a big part during and after treatment of breast cancer.

Why exercise during treatment?

Exercise is important during your treatment as it helps to manage potential side effects from the treatment including muscle wastage, fatigue and nausea. Exercise is also a great way to manage and treat mental health conditions that may come with a breast cancer diagnosis such as stress, anxiety and depression. Exercise has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and speed up recovery from treatment.

What exercises after treatment are BREAST?

Well, this is tricky because we know that everyone’s treatment with breast cancer is different. Women will either have one or a combination of surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. Based on the treatment you receive, and potential side effects will tailor your exercise program around you! However here is a basic guide of what exercises you may find in your program.

Range of motion exercises.

These exercises are important for women who have had surgery or radiation and now their joints around there breasts don’t move as they once did. Range of motion exercises help to slowly improve these restrictions.

Strength exercises.

Strength exercises will help you improve any muscle wastage due to the treatment itself or periods of rest. These exercises will also help with using your muscles to help the lymphatic system contract and reduce lymphedema. The exercises used for assisting with lymphedema treatment are much gentler than those to increase your muscle mass. These exercises by no means must use weights or require a gym membership, you can use resistances bands and body weight.

All exercise is good and beneficial!

Exercising after treatment is important to help maintain your health and recover from any potential side effects from treatment. Looking after your lungs, heart and body will help reduce the risk of any other health complications that are more prone to people following cancer treatment. If you have any questions or want to start a tailored exercise program come and visit our resident women’s health and cancer expert EP Eden call us on 204016 4446 or BOOK NOW.