HOW TO TREAT ARMPIT SCAR TISSUE PAIN AFTER BREAST CANCER: Massage and Stretching Techniques

[@dinahnorthcott8796]

2 weeks post R mastectomy with reconstruction and axillary clearance, starting to feel pain and tightness in armpit and upper arm, can’t feel any cord, but massage helps. So this looks great to try

[@selomgbetodeme4580]

How do you treat fibrosis?

[@ing3666]

I put a pillow along my side up to my armpit, while laying on my back, arm out at 90 degrees, to help stretch while I sleep. I do my ball stretches, much like the chair stretches all day long as well as the “ slowly hello “ exercise during the day. I had so many exercises to do and did them, daily, the recommended reps twice a day. Unfortunately after my modified radical mastectomy on August 4, 2021, I have lots of cording. For me, the other exercises I have been doing helped a little bit. Once my PT recommended the exercise ball and the a pulley it has done wonders for me this last week. I also rest my arm on the top my head often during the day.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Glad to hear the cording is improving with the exercises! Keep up the good work. Persistence pays off. Jen

[@barbaralis7333]

Thanks a lot for this video and for the your channel. It is great. Lots of information. I spent each morning with you ;-). Greetings from Poland.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thank you for your lovely feedback! Hello from Australia! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@juliedaub5703]

So glad I've found your channel. I am 6 weeks post surgery - double mastectomy. I have severe tightness, scarring, and pain - like a vice grip around my chest, across my back and up my neck. I have a seroma that has been aspirated once. I am doing scar massage and tons of stretching at least 3 times a day. Nothing is helping long term. I am trying to see a PT but won't be able to for at least another month. Do you have any advice or suggestions to help me. I am exhausted. Thank you so much.

[@bindujoseph4469]

Thanks a lot 😊😊 I finished radiation a month back and this armpit of mine is hurting real bad ... I hope this stretch you showed will help 👍👍

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Bindu! Thank you for your lovely feedback. How is your armpit going after trying this stretch? Jen

[@bindujoseph4469]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio hi .. yes it's better .. thanks a lot 😊

[@johnmitchell6712]

Thanks Jen. An easy stretch to do on days I don't come to the gym. Liz

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hey Lizzie! So sorry for my slow reply. Just catching up on KZbin comments finally! I LOVE this stretch and hope it helps you. Jen x

[@deborahjulianto9234]

I had BC with sentinel node biopsy and 33 rounds of radiation in 2014.. completed treatments July 2015 .. I’m still having scar tissue pains to my arm pits and surrounding areas. Is it possible to have chronic long term pains ? Thank you

[@angesturme7365]

Thank you. This is great information and really helpful 😊

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Ange! Sorry for my slow reply. I am finally catching up on replying to comments. So glad you found this video helpful. Jen

[@slpaynesd]

Great input! Massage before or after stretch?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Sharon, I think may gain more range stretching after a massage. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@StephanieJohnson-l9y]

Hi, I have beeb suffering with pain in my arm, back and chest wall since my mastectomy in 2021. I have watched this video, Have you got any videos about pain down the arm (mine is on the underside from my armpit. Is temporarily relived by rubbing/massage. TIA

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hello Stephanie! So sorry for my very slow reply. I can assist you more on my Facebook Page - I have a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@signgal46gardner60]

Thank you. That was very helpful. I am 3 1/2 months out from surgery and 1 month out from radiation. My armpit has become sore and feels like there is a lump under the armpit when my arm is down, however I can not physically feel a lump. I’m guessing this is from radiation. Will do the stretches and hopefully that will help.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi! So sorry for my very slow reply. Have you tried the stretch and has it helped as yet? Jen

[@signgal46gardner60]

Thank you, I did do the street he's and they helped. I had some cording but was also able to resolve that myself by following your directions. Now Letrozole and dealing with sore joints but so thankful to be alive.

[@donnaeiler3179]

This made me feel a little better. I’m 4 months post rads. I do stretches and lymphedema exercises for prevention. But it seems that I’m still tight under my arm. Still not wearing a bra- I’m small so I wear a cami. Still using cereve and just now getting where I can tolerate roll on deodorant. No post tests yet. Will be one year in May for diagnosis, one year in June finish chemo and one year in Aug for lumpectomy with SLNB, all nodes and margins clear going into 33 rads. On Letrozole now, Day 117. I can’t feel any cording but my neck is very tight. I can’t imagine mamo or ultrasound as I am very tender still.💕

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Donna, all of your symptoms are very common but treatable. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@victoriamason9731]

Thank you, really helpful stretch. I’m 2 weeks post surgery and trying to keep movement and reduce scarring and pain - your channel is great. Do you have any recommendations for reducing the sensitivity and soreness under the arm following axillary node clearance/SMX? The area is so sensitive to touch/against clothing. Thank you.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Good Morning Victoria! Thank you for your positive feedback. I have done a video on treating sensitive scar tissue. Have a look at this video first but if it doesn't answer your question then reach out again: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5Kzl62teNmsn8k

[@tessyk5571]

What is the ideal interval between a mastectomy with lymph node dissection and radiation?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Tessy, I would direct this question to your Medical Professionals. I can't answer this accurately as a Physiotherapist. I am aware they try to move swiftly between surgery and radiation, but I'm not sure of the appropriate time frame sorry. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@tessyk5571]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you for your response 🙏

[@WakeupYourMakeup]

Hi Jen, I have a question. What do you think about Infrared Saunas if one is at risk of Lymphoedema after Breast Cancer Surgery?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi! So sorry for my very slow reply. More recently expert sources are stating that there is not great evidence to show that heat increases risk of lymphoedema. However, from my clinical experience I do see examples of heat / humidity increasing LDEX Scores and swelling in affected arms of breast cancer survivors. So I would be cautious with any prolonged heat exposure where your core temperature is high. Hope this helps! Jen

[@WakeupYourMakeup]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you for your response Jen ⭐️☺️

[@stephaniefowler8119]

Is there a video to actually show how to massage instead of just talk about it?

[@cindianderson9443]

Have you heard of scar tissue causing numbness? My armpit has been numb since surgery, but weirdly most of my breast went numb 6 weeks later. Surgeon had no clue but I'm wondering if it could be numbness.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Cindi, I've not heard of the breast becoming numb post surgery. You could consider referral to a Neurologist for Nerve Conduction Testing to see if they can locate the issue. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@TheOneslyqtpie]

Does radiation cause scar tissue ?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hey Steph!! So sorry for my slow reply. Yes Radiation does cause Scarring of the skin and lymphatics.

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

I had a DMX and 20 lymph nodes removed from the same incision.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Lisa, it's incredible what the Medical Professionals can do with one scar. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity