Postoperative Rehabilitation Exercise

In the first week after surgery, even if the drainage tube has not been removed, as long as it does not affect the function of the drainage tube, you can start to practice some stretching activities of the upper arm and palm:

1. To prevent lymphedema, raise the affected arm with support by a pillow, massage the affected upper limb centripetally (from the distal to the proximal end) to promote lymphatic return, so as to reduce swelling.
2. Do not take blood pressure measure or draw blood on the affected arm. Avoid cuts, wounds or infections. If the arm is red and hot, unusually hard and swollen, you should see a doctor.
3. Do household chores in moderation, but do not lift heavy things.
4. Moderate flexion and extension of the hand, wrist and elbow as well as clenching and opening of the fingers can be started 24 hours after surgery
5. Arm exercises

• Hand Wallclimbing:

Stand facing the wall, toes as close as possible to the wall, feet apart, elbows bent, palms at shoulder height against the wall, fingers bent so that the palm gradually moves upward toward the wall, until the arm is fully extended and the palm down to the original position. 

• Rope Turning:

Stand facing the door with one end of the rope tied to the door handle and the other end held by the affected hand. The arm extends forward and away from the body, almost parallel to the floor, and then moves gradually faster around the rope as if it were flying.

• Rod or Broom:

Hold the rod with both hands about 2 feet apart. Straighten your arms. Raise the rod above your head. When bending, lower the rod behind your head. Then raise the rod to the top of your head in the opposite direction, and then return to the original position.

• Pulley:

Take the rope around the shower curtain rack or door curtain rack, stand under the rack and grab at both ends of the rope. Straighten your hands away from your body. Put your right hand down and lift your left hand up. Then put your left hand down and lift your right hand up as if you were sawing something.