sensory retraining: what is it, and how can it help me after resensation^®?

From enjoying a warm breeze on your skin to feeling the hug of a loved one, sensation helps us connect to the world around us. But mastectomy cuts the nerves in your chest, leaving you partially or fully numb. Resensation has the potential to restore sensation by reconnecting nerves cut during breast reconstruction.

After surgery, your body will be hard at work recovering. It will take time for your nerves to regrow. This means you may start regaining sensation several months after surgery, with feelings continuing to develop for up to two years.¹ Everyone’s experience is unique, and the level of returned sensation will vary.

how can sensory retraining help me reconnect with my body?

Sensory retraining is a type of exercise commonly used to improve sensory function in many areas of the body.^2-4 The practice draws on the combined expertise of sensory nerve rehabilitation therapists and physicians specializing in nerve-related traumas.

The goal is to help retrain your brain and body to connect sensory responses with sensory stimuli through consistent practice.

sensory retraining: step-by-step instructions

After your surgeon gives you the okay to start sensory retraining, you can perform the exercises twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. All you need is a mirror, a cosmetic brush and an ice cube.

Spend a minute or two on each step, taking notice of your sensory responses as you go. The whole process should only take about 10 minutes to complete.

Remember to look at yourself in the mirror as you go—it’s important to watch as you go through the motions.

1. Using your pointer finger, softly touch different areas of your breast starting with the nipple (or the center of your breast), and slowly move outward in a clockwise motion. As you move around, tap with the pad of your finger like you would when typing on a keyboard.
2. Next, repeat the same circular motion from step one. This time, apply continuous pressure as if you’re drawing a swirl on your breast.
3. Using a soft makeup brush, gently touch different areas of your breast starting with the nipple, and slowly move outward in a clockwise motion.
4. With that same brush, trace the area of your breast by applying consistent contact and light pressure. Follow the same clockwise motion, starting with the nipple and moving outward.
5. Use a cube of ice to touch different areas of your breast starting with the nipple, and slowly move outward in a clockwise motion.
6. Finally, use the ice to trace the same motions you’ve followed from the start.
7. Once you’ve gone through the flow while watching your movements in the mirror, perform the entire process again with your eyes closed. This time, visualize and imagine yourself performing each step and the connections you’re building between your brain and your repaired nerves.

practice makes progress

The more practice you get with these exercises, the quicker your brain will work to remap its responses to stimulated nerves. Consistency and repetition are key for promoting the return of sensation after surgery. You’ll also become more comfortable with how your body looks and feels post-mastectomy.

There is no set end date for sensory retraining, and each person’s journey is unique. Think of it as a road map to help you navigate your recovery.

Your doctor is available to assist if you have any questions. And remember that healing is a process, and recovery will take time!

References

1. Yano K, et al. Breast reconstruction using the sensate latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;109(6):1897-1903. doi:10.1097/00006534-200205000-00018
2. Huisstede BM, et al. Effectiveness of surgical and postsurgical interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome-A systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018;99(8):1660-1680.e21. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2017.04.024
3. Meyer R, et al. Sensory rehabilitation after trigeminal nerve injury or nerve repair. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2001;13(2):265-376. doi:10.1016/S1042-3699(20)30150-3
4. Chia FS, et al. Sensory retraining of the leg after stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2019;33(6):964-979. doi:10.1177/0269215519836461

This information is noncommercial, provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting sensory retraining. The level of sensation restored following use of the Resensation technique may vary and cannot be guaranteed, due to unique anatomy and other considerations. Please consult your surgeon for more detailed information.

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