Objective To explore the effect of workshop on postoperative function of affected limb in patients with breast cancer. Methods From August, 2015 to June, 2016, 70 patients with breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy were randomly divided into control group (n=35) and observation group (n=35). The control group was instructed by the primary nurse bedside based on the traditional method, while the observation group was guided with workshop mode. Results Ten days and one month after surgery, the range of motion of the shoulder joint in the observation group was superior to the control group (t>2.030, P<0.01); the incidence of lymphedema of the affected limb in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (u=2.195, P<0.05). Conclusion Functional exercise guided with workshop mode could improve postoperative function of affected limb in patients with breast cancer.