Dancing during Mastectomy Recovery
Dancing may seem like a frivolous topic, but in order to come full circle in your healing it is important to embrace the fun activities that you enjoyed prior to your mastectomy. Getting back on the dance floor may be part of full recovery for some of us.
There will doubtless be several times when you have the opportunity to dance during your recovery and breast rehabilitation. With certain modifications there is no reason that you cannot get back out there on that dance floor to shake your tail feathers or your booty or however you describe it in your lingo.
Here are some simple guidelines and suggestions that helped me get back into the "swing" of things:
1. As you sway, keep your elbows at your side and your forearms/hands in front of your chest. This will not look awkward if you snap your fingers in front of you. Remember, you need to be able to protect yourself from others on the dance floor. Some rambunctious dancers can be outright dangerous with flailing arms and elbows. I shudder just thinking about the risk involved if you are not cautious. So, do not dance with your arms above your head or away from your chest. You can be just as playful and loose while holding your elbows to your side, but, again, you must shield your body while you are on a crowded dance floor.
2. For the therapeutic effect, keep shoulders back and expand your chest. Open yourself up with the rhythmic movement as you sway your shoulders back and forth. It can be very beneficial to use the opportunity as a rehabilitative exercise treatment!
3. Keep dance sessions to an enjoyable minimum and expect to feel tired. Your endurance during mastectomy recovery and breast rehabilitation may be limited, so don’t be surprised if you need to sit out for a while.
4. Most importantly, enjoy! Get back into the groove and celebrate life!