Exercise during treatment

It can sometimes be difficult to be physically active during treatment, as you may feel tired or unwell. However, taking exercise during treatment can improve your wellbeing, for example by reducing fatigue.

Arm and shoulder exercises after surgery

Regular exercise can have a positive impact on your wellbeing. It will help to:

• increase your range of movement
• improve any symptoms of cording (a pain that runs like a cord from the armpit, down the upper arm and through to the back of the hand, restricting arm movement)
• reduce the risk of long-term problems with arm and shoulder movement and stiffness, as well as problems with your posture
• reduce the risk of lymphoedema (swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid) by encouraging the lymphatic system to work more effectively.

Exercise for wellbeing

Exercise can help reduce fatigue both during and after treatment. People who exercise, even gently, during treatment may experience less pain, nausea, insomnia and fatigue. Regular exercise also helps reduce blood pressure and boosts your immune system.

Before you start any new exercises it’s important that you discuss it with your GP or specialist team.

Doing 20–30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, at least three times per week is ideal but this can be a lot for some people, particularly when having treatment.

It may help to break up the time you spend exercising into shorter, more manageable bits throughout the week. And remember, if it feels too difficult or if it hurts, you should stop what you’re doing.

Starting slowly and building up your activity is the best way to form a regular habit.

Exercise and lymphoedema

Current opinion is that exercise does not cause or worsen lymphoedema and may even lessen symptoms. Compression garments you have been given should always be worn during exercise. Before starting an exercise programme, check with your specialist team or GP.