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Free physical rehabilitation guide: recovery protocol for top surgery patients

Some of the most common questions we get about the top surgery recovery timeline are about the limitations on arm movements and pain in the upper body post-op. Given how much contradictory information we see on the internet around gender affirming chest reconstruction, we convened experts in the field to create a free PDF physical therapy resource for patients. Dr. Jennifer Crane (she/her) of Cirque Physio and our own Dr. Scott Mosser (he/him) of the Gender Confirmation Center (GCC) have created a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol for top surgery patients. In it, you will find information on:

1. Exercise equipment you can use for rehabilitation.

2. Exercises to prepare your body for surgery.

3. Exercises for the first 3-4 weeks post-op: to help you lift your arms to shoulder height and reduce pain in the incision site.

4. Exercises for week 4-8 post-op: to help you lift your arms beyond 90º and introduce light weight-bearing activities.

5. Exercises for week 8 post-op and beyond: to help you regain full active overhead range of motion without increasing your pain or discomfort, and more!

6. Special considerations for patients with existing shoulder problems (like arthritis, tendinitis or a previous injury), Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, hypertrophic scarring and more.

We are proud to be able to offer this resource to our communities with the help of Dr. Crane of Cirque Physio and her collaborators. We encourage you to share this free rehabilitation guide to help us close the gap in physiotherapy and surgical recovery resources tailored to meet the needs of our diverse and disabled trans and gender non-conforming patients. We know that access to quality rehabilitative care can often prevent complications like post top surgery pain syndrome.

Please note that the content and information offered in this resource is strictly educational and is not meant to replace formal physical therapy. Your rehabilitation following top surgery should be customized to your specific case (your medical history, procedures undergone, etc.) by your surgeon and your physical therapist.

Postoperative Rehab Protocol for Top Surgery