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What Do Breast Cancer, Mastectomy, Reconstruction, Shoulder and Back Pain Have in Common?

Do you have chest pain or tightness?  Have you had breast cancer?  Have you undergone a mastectomy, partial mastectomy, breast reconstruction (TRAM Flap), augmentation or had your lymph nodes removed?  Do you feel like there is an “ace bandage” wrapped around you?  Do you have cording or tightness in your armpit?  Do you also have neck, shoulder or back pain? Have you had any major surgery or trauma to your abdomen or chest wall?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, physical therapy and myofascial release can help you move better, feel less pain and return to the activities you enjoy most.
There is a significant relationship between women with breast cancer and shoulder pain, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injuries injuries. Here are a few (of the many) research articles highlighting this relationship:
The muscles of the shoulder attach to your chest and are significantly impacted and can be restricted from the surgery and resultant scar tissue. Fascial adhesions form from any surgery and are part of the healing process.  If you have had a reconstruction surgery where they take part of your stomach to form a new breast, this can also contribute to low back and hip problems as well as upper back and shoulder issues.
Occasionally this repair process causes more tightness than necessary and significant restriction. Trauma, repetitive motion, and even radiation treatments also cause restrictions in the fascia. These restrictions can cause pain and decreased motion elsewhere in your body and treatment with gentle and sustained myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization as well as a personalized mobility and strengthening program can help you feel much better.
There is now research also showing that you do not have to see a therapist in person to achieve the same results and benefits. An article titled "Telehealth system: A randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of internet-based exercise intervention on quality of life, pain, muscle strength, and fatigue in breast cancer survivors" revealed that patients who participated in an 8-week internet-based, tailored exercise program has significantly improved scores for global health status, physical, role, cognitive functioning, and arm symptom and that these improvements were maintained after 6 months of follow-up
You do not have to live with pain or constant tightness.  Call our office today 757-529-0276 to speak with a physical therapist to discuss your options and to determine if hands on or telehealth physical therapy is right for you.
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Location: Hampton, VA, USA

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