For 1-3 days postoperatively, depending on your condition, you should avoid wound pain caused by movement of the shoulder joint, perform appropriate abdominal breathing exercises and ankle pump training of the ankle in the supine position (i.e., full upward hooking of the toes and downward stomping movements), and sleep with a soft pillow to elevate the arm within a comfortable range, with the shoulder slightly below the arm position.
Preventing edema: lymphatic drainage massage techniques
Essentials
Massage techniques
Push upward with the palm of your hand in gentle circles (or in a light rubbing motion), do not press too hard, be gentle, operate with your hand in close contact with the skin, pull the skin to extend in the direction of drainage, and reset naturally when you release your hand.
Massage sequence
In accordance with the principle of activation followed by transport, the transport is induced in the direction of drainage from distal to proximal in the order of upper arm ← elbow ← forearm ← back of hand ← fingers.
Cautions
Pay attention to gentle and slow movements to avoid capillary lymphatic vessel closure or even rupture injury due to excessive force.
Frequency
1 to 2 times a day.
Initiation period
After removal of the drainage tube after surgery.
Contraindications
Absolute contraindications
Acute infection (e.g., cutaneous cellulitis), hydrocele, cardiac failure, cardiogenic edema, renal failure, acute deep venous embolism.
Relative contraindications
Malignancy, bronchial asthma, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, hyperthyroidism, hypotension, organ transplantation.
Movement demonstration: Zhang Xin, Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Sanhuan Cancer Hospital