Hi again, I probably should have mentioned that my mastectomy was a recurrence. I originally had a lumpectomy,full node clearance and radiation in 2003.The first time around,I had trouble getting my arm up 6wks post op and I needed physio.So yes,you do need to do your arm exercises and gradually get back to everyday activities. I guess it didn't help that my skin was previously radiated- so not much skin stretch after the mastectomy.Adhesions are here to stay unless I have a reconstruction. You do get used to the numbness and weird sensations.And as I said, prosthesis pressure seems to help.