Activity Restrictions After Mastectomy Surgery: What You Need to Know
Recovering from a mastectomy is a deeply personal journey—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the most common questions patients have after surgery is: “What activities should I avoid, and when can I safely get back to normal movement?”
At Ilaaj Physical Therapy in Tarzana, CA, we specialize in helping women and men navigate post-mastectomy recovery. With expert clinicians, one-on-one personalized care, and lived experience from a provider who has gone through the same journey, we offer the guidance and support you need for safe healing.
Why Activity Restrictions Matter After a Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a major surgery that affects not only the chest but also the shoulders, back, and lymphatic system. Following activity guidelines is important because:
Protects surgical healing – Avoiding strain gives your incision and tissue time to heal.
Prevents complications – Too much activity too soon can increase the risk of swelling (lymphedema), wound reopening, or infection.
Supports long-term mobility – Proper pacing and guided exercise helps preserve shoulder range of motion and strength.
General Activity Restrictions After Mastectomy Surgery
While each patient’s timeline is unique, here are some general post-operative guidelines:
Avoid heavy lifting (usually over 5–10 lbs) for the first 4–6 weeks. Carrying groceries, laundry, or young children should be postponed until cleared by your surgeon.
Limit overhead reaching in the early weeks. Gentle arm movements are encouraged, but avoid full overhead stretching or reaching until your care team advises.
Pause high-impact exercise. Running, strength training, or high-intensity workouts should wait until incisions are fully healed.
Be cautious with pushing and pulling. Movements like vacuuming, opening heavy doors, or pushing furniture can strain healing tissue.
Protect the surgical site. Avoid pressure on your chest, such as lying face down or carrying bags across your shoulder on the surgery side.
Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions, as restrictions may differ depending on whether you had reconstruction, lymph node removal, or additional procedures.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Mastectomy Recovery
Physical therapy plays a critical role in restoring mobility, strength, and confidence after breast surgery. At Ilaaj PT, our post-mastectomy recovery program includes:
Gentle mobility exercises to safely restore shoulder movement.
Scar tissue management to reduce tightness and discomfort.
Lymphedema education to help lower your risk of swelling.
Personalized strength progression when you are ready to resume activity.
Guided return-to-exercise plans so you can safely return to the activities you love.
Why Choose Ilaaj PT for Post-Mastectomy Care?
At Ilaaj Physical Therapy and Oncology Rehab, we offer something unique:
Experienced clinicians – Board-certified physical therapists and certified lymphedema therapists specializing in oncology, lymphedema risk reduction and education and women’s health.
One-on-one care – No crowded gym settings; just private, focused sessions tailored to your needs.
Expert advice – We guide you every step of the way, from the first days after surgery to long-term strength recovery.
Personal experience – Our founder understands this journey firsthand, having gone through breast cancer treatment and recovery. That personal insight allows us to meet you with empathy, understanding, and practical strategies.
We know that recovering from a mastectomy is more than just physical—it’s about reclaiming your strength, your movement, and your confidence.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
If you’ve recently undergone a mastectomy or are preparing for surgery, don’t wait until discomfort or stiffness becomes overwhelming. Early physical therapy intervention can make all the difference in how you heal.
📞 Call us today at 818-47- ILAAJ (45225) or email info@ilaajpt.com to schedule your post-mastectomy physical therapy session at Ilaaj PT in Tarzana, CA.
Your healing journey deserves the highest level of care—and we’re here to walk it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Activity Restrictions After Mastectomy
1. When can I lift weights after mastectomy surgery?
Most patients need to avoid lifting anything heavier than 5–10 pounds for the first 4–6 weeks. Once your surgeon clears you and you’ve regained mobility through physical therapy, you can safely return to strength training with guidance.
2. How soon can I exercise after a mastectomy?
Gentle mobility exercises for your arms and shoulders often begin within the first few days after surgery. High-impact activities like running, weight training, or yoga should be delayed until incisions heal and you’ve been cleared by your surgeon and physical therapist.
3. What activities should I avoid after mastectomy surgery?
Avoid heavy lifting, overhead reaching, pushing, or pulling in the early weeks. Also, don’t put direct pressure on your chest (such as lying on your stomach) until you are fully healed.
4. Do I need physical therapy after mastectomy with reconstruction?
Yes. Whether you have reconstruction or not, physical therapy helps restore mobility, reduce scar tissue tightness, and lower your risk of lymphedema. Specialized oncology physical therapy ensures you recover safely and regain strength.
5. How can physical therapy help prevent lymphedema after breast surgery?
A certified oncology physical therapist can teach you safe exercises, provide manual therapy, and guide you in protecting your lymphatic system. Early education and prevention strategies are key to lowering your risk of developing lymphedema.
6. Where can I find post-mastectomy physical therapy in Tarzana, CA?
At Ilaaj PT in Tarzana, we provide one-on-one, personalized rehabilitation after mastectomy. Our expert clinicians specialize in oncology rehab, and our founder has personal experience recovering from breast cancer surgery.
