Functional exercise is essential to restore the function of the patient’s shoulder joint and eliminate edema, but the order of gradual progression must be strictly observed and should not be advanced arbitrarily to avoid affecting the wound healing. The gradual method: ① 1~2 d after surgery, practice fist clenching, finger extension and wrist flexion; ② 3~4 d after surgery, forearm extension and flexion exercise; ③ 5~7 d after surgery, the hand of the affected side touches the opposite shoulder and the ipsilateral ear (the affected limb can be supported by the healthy limb); ④ 8~10 d after surgery, practice shoulder elevation, extension and flexion to 90°; ⑤ 10 d after surgery, shoulder joint climbing wall and apparatus exercise. The requirement for functional exercise was that the upper arm on the affected side could be straightened and raised around the top of the head to touch the opposite ear within 2 weeks. The functional exercise should be continued after the standard is achieved. Shoulder abduction is limited for 7 d after surgery. In cases of severe flap necrosis, avoid large movements for 2 weeks after surgery. If the subcutaneous fluid accumulation or drainage exceeds 50 mL 1 week after surgery, the number of exercises and the range of shoulder joint movement should be reduced (restriction of abduction). Shoulder exercises should be delayed after skin grafting and breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap.