EXERCISE IS GOOD – EVEN AFTER BREAST SURGERY:

Many women complain of pain in the shoulder and neck area after surgery. A small breast form can have a big effect here – especially in combination with targeted training.

Post-operative posture is often incorrect. Many women tend to hunch, either a little or a lot, with their shoulders pulled forward and arms held close to their body. This is probably an attempt to protect themselves from wound or muscle pain, and perhaps sometimes from the dreaded looks of others. As understandable as this behaviour is, it can lead to further complications. Bad posture can affect the mobility and flexibility of the arms and shoulders. This leads to pain that can make everyday things such as combing your hair, showering or putting on a sweater absolute torture. Irrespective of the type of breast surgery, it is important to get moving again as soon as possible, but consciously and gently. Do something good for yourself. Long walks, slow swimming or even dancing can help your muscles and create new body sensations. Movements become more relaxed and unobtrusive and at the same time your trust in your own body is restored.

The goal is an upright posture. Your gaze is straight ahead, your chin slightly retracted. Your neck is stretched upwards, your shoulders are pulled backwards and downwards. Your chest is raised – which emphasises the asymmetry of the breasts. There are high-quality and individually adapted breast forms for precisely this situation – both in terms of shape and size as well as with regard to the respective use, for example, when swimming or under a tight dress at the opera. One of the most innovative solutions is the Amoena Adapt Air. “With its air chambers, it adapts harmoniously to the chest wall. Its integrated air chamber technology makes it possible to adapt the shape of the breast to individual

Pain in the shoulder, neck and back is not uncommon after such an intervention. Many women report tension and are sensitive to both touching and moving. This can happen in the case of a mastectomy, the complete removal of the breast tissue, as well as during a lumpectomy, a breastconserving tumour surgery.

needs. The breast form sits perfectly on every breast,” says Claudia Reichl, Product Manager at Amoena. “It creates an even silhouette and generates trust and self-confidence in all situations.”

At the same time, the Balance Adapt Air breast form offers maximum comfort. “The temperature equalisation material, together with the textured back, ensures optimum ventilation. The perceived temperature of the breast form is similar to the body temperature of the wearer,” Claudia Reichl continues. “In addition, the smooth and soft edges create an invisible transition between the breast form and breast tissue, thus guaranteeing a natural appearance and feeling.” Balance Adapt Air MD 233

For supplementary training, you will find three simple exercises below that you can carry out at home. However, please talk to your healthcare professional as soon as possible beforehand. If necessary, they will also prescribe physiotherapy, which is usually covered by your health insurance.

1. Flying elbows

This exercise helps to improve mobility in the shoulder and chest. Lie on your bed or the floor in a supine position (on your back). Bend your knees and position your feet flat. Cross your hands behind your neck. Point your elbows towards the ceiling. Move your elbows as far as possible to the side, in the direction of the floor and then again in the direction of the ceiling. It may take several weeks before you get your elbows near the bed or the floor. Repeat the exercise seven to ten times.

2. Shoulder blade elongation

This exercise helps to improve the mobility of the shoulder blades. Sit on a chair. Move the chair as close as possible to the table, always keeping your back straight against the back of the chair. Place the arm of your healthy side on the table. Bend your elbow at a 90 degree angle with the palm facing downwards. Do not move this arm during the exercise. Now place the hand of the other arm on the table with the palm facing down. However, the elbow on this side should be stretched out. Slide the hand to the opposite side on the table. You should feel the movement in your shoulder blade during this exercise. Repeat seven to ten times.

3. Shoulder expansion on the wall

This exercise helps to improve the mobility of the shoulder. Stand at a distance of about 20 centimetres away with your face towards the wall. Place your hands on the wall at the height of your face. Your elbows are pointing downwards. Use your hands to “crawl” up the wall until you can feel the stretch – and slowly return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise seven to ten times.