Vuly Trampolines has proudly partnered with The Otis Foundation's 2018 & 2021 Mother's Day Celebrations. As part of its support, Vuly offers are range of advice to assist people following a breast cancer diagnosis.
Simple Exercises to Help with Breast Cancer Recovery
Staying active is so important, even when you’re recovering from breast cancer. But while you may not feel up for an early morning run or a strenuous exercise routine, there’s plenty you can still do to keep the heart rate pumping, and to help you during the healing process.
As you get back into exercise during your recovery, try not to push yourself too hard. Start exercising slowly, take frequent breaks and once you are able, you can increase the duration and endurance level of the exercise you partake in.
Note: Always talk to your doctor before starting any of these exercises or activities to ensure it’s right for you and your recovery.
Arm Exercises Following Surgery
If you have undergone surgery for breast cancer, exercise is recommended to help restore movement and to decrease side effects following surgery, but you have to be selective about the type of exercise and activity you do to prevent further harm and to make sure you don’t over exert yourself.
For women who have undergone breast cancer surgery, maintaining flexibility in the shoulder and arm is important, and specific types of arm stretching exercises can help with this. The purpose of these exercises is to help make your arm stronger and aid with recovery. Appropriate arm exercises can be shown to you by a physical therapist or occupational therapist recommended by your doctor. They should be non-strenuous and can often begin a few days after surgery.
After the initial few days of recovery and after receiving the go-ahead from your doctor, you can broaden your arm exercises further and undertake some of the following exercises:
- Wand exercise
- Elbow winging
- Shoulder blade stretch while sitting
- Shoulder blade squeeze
- Side bends
- Chest wall stretch
- Shoulder stretch
- Wall shoulder stretch while standing
Visit cancer.org for complete steps and diagrams for how to complete these arm exercises.
Lymphedema Exercise on a Trampoline
Lymphedema refers to swelling in an arm or leg caused by a build-up of lymph fluid. This is a known risk factor for breast cancer patients following surgery. Undertaking lymphedema exercise on a trampoline is a fun form of exercise that may help reduce swelling.
The act of jumping up and down on a trampoline can help stimulate the lymphatic fluid in your system. While other forms of physical activity can help with this, jumping on a trampoline is a very effective and low impact way to stimulate this circulation.
Why is good lymphatic circulation so important? All your organs dump toxins into your lymph system. If you’re not keeping the lymph fluids moving, your lymph system can get clogged up. The bouncing action provided by the trampoline will get that lymph fluid moving, and help cleanse your body.
Along with these lymphedema benefits, trampolines can keep your joints active without putting too much pressure on them. Jumping up and down can also help boost your energy levels. Here are a few simple techniques you could try when jumping on the trampoline. Basic arm movements should also be included for women following breast surgery:
- Simple jumping jacks with your arms swinging up and down as you jump.
- Twist your hips side by side while jumping. Put your body’s weight into the turn.
- Kick your legs out to each side one at a time while jumping. Swing your arms out to either side at the same time.
- Front kicks while jumping. Lift your knees up high when you kick. Combine with forward fist punches.
- Jump up and down with knees bent. Swing straight arms forward and backward.
You could either purchase an indoor rebounder or if you want more space to jump and would like to be outside in the fresh air while doing your trampoline exercise, Vuly Play trampolines are a safe and sturdy option.
Breast Cancer Recovery Guidance
When undertaking exercise of any form, your regime should be individualised to meet your needs and be designed to suit your fitness level. When choosing the best type of exercise for you, you should always get guidance and advice from a professional such as your doctor or a physical therapist who understands the requirements for breast cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema management.
But along with exercise, it’s just as important to truly take the time you need to recover, rejuvenate and bring your mind, body and soul back to good health. A breast cancer retreat stay organised by The OTIS Foundation could be just the thing you need to help push your recovery along. Find out more about your eligibility on our Bookings & Eligibility page.
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