💜 Are you ready to start strength training again?


Hi Reader,

One of the most common questions I get is:

How do I know when I’m ready to start strength training again after surgery or treatment?

Here’s a quick checklist:

✅ Your incisions are fully healed
✅ You can move your arms without significant pain (even if not fully overhead)
✅ You’re cleared for exercise by your medical team
✅ You can do daily activities (like carrying groceries or laundry) without pain

Not Quite Ready? Start Here

Focus on scapular strength — the small muscles around your shoulder blades. Two of my favourites:

Wall Glides – gently slide your arms up and down a wall, keeping your shoulder blades engaged

Resistance Band Pull-Aparts – hold a band in front of you and pull it apart slowly, squeezing your shoulder blades together

Strength Training in My Recovery

Strength training is the practice that helps me feel most like myself. Even with modified movements, lifting weights continues to be central to my recovery and ongoing survivorship — both physically and mentally.

I’ve been working behind the scenes on something that helps guide breast cancer survivors safely through this process — a 12-week program called Thriver Strength. I’ll be announcing it in January, and I can’t wait to share it with you 💜

Keep active!

Dr. Erica

Breast Cancer Thriver & Chiropractor

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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Breast Cancer Rehab

From managing the side effects of treatment to rebuilding strength and thriving in survivorship, join me on this journey as we heal together. - Dr. Erica, Breast Cancer Thriver & Chiropractor

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