Exercises After Breast Surgery: Wall Climb, Chicken Wing

As you recover from breast surgery, your doctor will tell you when it is safe to begin exercising. Your goal will be to regain normal range of motion and use of your arm. For your safety, use this handout only as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.

Wall Climb

• Stand and face a wall, with your toes 4-6 inches from it.

• Place your forearms against the wall, hands at eye level.

• Walk your hands up the wall, keeping palms parallel. Stop if you feel pulling or pain.

• Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds. Move your hands back down the wall.

• Repeat 10 times.

• As you improve, stand closer to the wall.

Chicken Wing

• With elbows straight, clasp your fingers in front of you. Raise your arms slowly over your head.

• Keeping your fingers clasped, put your hands behind your neck.

• Pull your elbows in until they touch at chin level. (Unclasp your fingers if you need to.)

• Repeat 10 times.