Hiya after some advise please!
Since my lumpectomy in May (left breast) I have done some damage to the muscles in my back from over compensating on the right hand side. The knots are from my shoulder blade to under my armpit I can feel them but not allowed a massage. I did use an at home massage cushion 3 days after chemo which gave me marks on my skin. I also suffered terribly at the beginning with finding the lump/getting diagnosed and my back was coiled up like the tightest spring for ages I was also shaking vomiting jaw clenched etc so I really went through it. Now going through chemo I’ve relaxed into my treatment schedule but these knots are driving me mad. Any remedies I can try? Caster oil? Acupuncture? Tia xxxxxxx
1 Like
I’m assuming you’ve tried your post surgery exercises? Although saying that mine plus Letrozole caused other shoulder problems that I went to get a sports massage to fix.
My answer would be some Pilates stretches as all my muscles feel better after a gentle Pilates class.
Failing that ask your breast cancer nurse for a physio referral or book one privately.
Thank you 
Yes, lots of exercises & pilates. I will ask for a referral when I speak to my oncologist next xxxxx
1 Like
I find Arm Openings and supine Hip Twists are good for my shoulders as are standing Mermaids. YouTube has videos but obviously don’t do anything that hurts.
Temple Spa do a lovely cream called AAAHHH! cream if you have someone to rub it into the affected area too.
1 Like
Ooh thank you!! Will Try xxxxxx
1 Like
My GP surgery has a musculoskeletal specialist that I have seen more than once. They recommended various stretches and exercises to help my neck/shoulder. Might be worth seeing if you can access help this way.
1 Like
I see an Osteopath privately when I need help with any MSK problems . She’s helped me a lot over the years including when I fell three weeks after lumpectomy . I couldn’t stop my self falling but was able to twist away from my lumpectomy side and landed on the opposite shoulder - it’s never been quite the same as it wasn’t even the first injury I’ve sustained there but initially I couldn’t raise my arm higher than shoulder height and after two treatments with my Osteo I was able to drive to my Radiotherapy appointments and hold my arms above my head for all the treatments .That’s how good she is - ask around and see if you can get a recommendation. I’ve also been helped by Physio in the past , you could ask your BCN to refer you to the Breast Physio or go to your GP.
Who has told you you can’t have a massage ? If you don’t understand the reason then ask them why not. At one point I was under the impression I couldn’t have a massage and was then told that actually yes I could . Xx
2 Likes
I was told by a beauty therapist that historically the thought was massage would encourage cancer cells into the lymph nodes and further on. She said this has now been disproved but if people don’t keep up to date then they’re likely to think that’s still the advice.
2 Likes
I think it was actually a video on the Moving Forwards course which I did online . I think it was more to do with a risk of causing lymphoedema . Similar things were said about strong Yoga poses . One of our BCN s later said that that information was out of date . Xx
1 Like