What safe exercises can you recommend for a breast cancer survivor who had reconstruction?
Ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Great question.... I'll direct people to you if I can to see what answers you can get. Please do not implement any of the advise you receive without consulting with the Dr. of your client or friend.

Hi Kristi and Ellen,
Speaking from personal experience here, some ideas that helped me. It does depend how recently the surgery was done, the client will tell you when they feel Ok to start moving, and you get the medical clearance too.

You need to encourage gentle mobilisation of the arm in pain free range, elbow circles etc. Teach them about scapular mobility versus stability in a side lie position or seated against a wall. Only work against gravity and with the arm load initially, until you see some understanding of movement with scapular stability and then add light therabands and weights.

Have run out of words so will finish this in a second post.

Continuing ....
Thoracic mobility is essential as everything stiffens up and you end up guarding your chest by keeping it still. This can be as simple as seated thoracic flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bend with arms at ribs or hands capping the deltoids. Pec stretching via scapular adduction, neck rotations and thoracic mobility was all I could do for the first few weeks. I am happy to be more specific and give greater detail if you want to contact me directly Ellen.

Pilates saved me and made my recovery really manageable.
Regards
Melissa
www.Pil atesScene.com

Hi Ellen,

Knowing the details of the specific reconstruction is key (as well as if the student had sentinel node biopsy, has any signs of lymphedema, etc).

What kind of surgery/reconstruction did she have?

Best,
Mariska

yes, focusing on the thoracic spine, guiding the client through all planes of motion using the push through bar on the cadillac is an indispensible way to assist recovery in breast cancer and reconstruction. Chemo therapy changes the nature of the tissues- may be hyper sensitive and irradiated tissue is not stretchy anymore; initial exercise needs to be gentle, watch for swelling (lymph problems), it can be dangerous to exercise with swelling. Don't let the client come to the studio too soon after the surgery.

And let's not forget the importance of the quality of breathing ...... calm and full inhalations that encourage filling up the entire interior of the thoracic area---heart, lungs etc. Images that can help restore the sense of fullness to the surgical area as well.....water flowing through the tissues, colorful balloons filled with helium, just some thoughts. Imagery can be incredible tools during this type of recovery.....and very personal as well....perfect healing companions.

Awesome! Thanks everyone!

Thank you all for your response. At this point I am gathering information to prepare for the possibility of this breast cancer survivor to come aboard the "Pilates train". Good points to consider when the time does come. Appreciate the support.
Sincerely,
Ellen

If anyone is interested in really digging deep into this topic, there is an advanced certificate program for Post-Rehab Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist through the an organization called the Pink Ribbon Program (developed by a Pilates instructor and breast cancer survivor). It was really valuable in terms of learning about all the different reconstructions, radiation, chemo, etc., and their implications with working with this population.

Good luck Ellen!