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.

PIt’s not unusual to find your posture affected by breast surgery. 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 is, it can lead to further complications. Bad posture can affect the mobility and flexibility of your 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. It’s amazing how much the right breast form can help too.

A breast form like the innovative Amoena Adapt Air is perfect for evening out your silhouette and helping with posture. “With its integrated air chamber technology, Adapt Air adapt can be adapted to fit the chest wall perfectly, and it can be adjusted

Pain in the shoulder, neck and back is not uncommon after breast surgery. Many women report tension and are sensitive to both touch and movement. This can happen in the case of a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery.

in size to suit a woman’s individual needs,” says Claudia Reichl, Product Manager at Amoena. “By creating an even silhouette it generates trust and self-confidence in any situation.”

Meanwhile for maximum comfort whatever the weather, the Balance Adapt Air breast form is ideal. “This breast form adapts to the wearer’s body temperature. With its integral temperature-equalising technology and textured back layer, it also ensures optimum ventilation,” Claudia Reichl continues. “The smooth and soft edges also create an invisible transition between the breast form and breast tissue, guaranteeing a natural appearance and feeling.” Balance Adapt Air MD 233

These three simple exercises can help with posture and mobility. (Please check with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regime.)

1. Flying elbows

This exercise helps to improve mobility in the shoulder and chest. Lie on your back, on your bed or on the floor. Bend your knees and put your feet flat on the floor. Clasp your hands behind your neck. Point your elbows towards the ceiling. Slowly move your elbows as far as possible to the sides, towards the floor, and then lift them back up to point at the ceiling. Go at your own pace. 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 extension

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. Bent 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 facing a wall, at a distance of about 20 centimetres away. 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.