Lymphedema and shoulder pain

Crone

Developed lymphedema within two months of surgery (21nodes removed) which has been controlled with day and night compression sleeves. Occasionally I would have more underarm swelling and pain in shoulder. Usually it would feel better as day went on but for the last few days, I have limited use of my shoulder do to pain. I have never tried to wrap the shoulder. Anyone else experience this and how was it treated?

moogie

I am dealing with this right now and am having treatment for myfascial pain and Le by a PT and LE certified therapist. Apparently muscles in the shoulder/neck area got so tight they were creating problems with my lymphatics. I have gone for 4 sessions and feel I am making progress. Get a scrip and see someone for evaluation. It can get better!

Moogie

mrsnjband

You might be having symptoms of a frozen shoulder.  That happens quite often.  You have probably been protective of that side from the node removal & having lympedema.  I got a frozen shoulder protecting that area because of nerve pain & radiation burn.  Is your LE therapist do PT as well?

I went to PT for the frozen shoulder & wound treatment.  My last therapist did both PT & LE that helped me a lot.  If you can find a therapist that can do both and that way you won't aggravate you LE by doing the PT.  Hang in there. NJ

kira66715

I also got a frozen shoulder, and it's been treated by a PT who has some training in LE, with myofascial massage.

One warning: she has a really sweet PTA, and she gave me theraband exercises, and it's third time I've tried them, and I immediately got a cord, and some swelling in my forearm I'd never had before.

So, frozen shoulders are common in LE, but classical PT involves repetitive motions and weight lifiting, and needs to be approached with caution.

Kira

kane744

Do you use pillows to prop your arms?  When I got shoulder pain, my LE therapist told me not to pile the pillows too hard because it pulls your shoulder forward and out of place.  Ever since I use only one pillow and the problem went away.  May your solution be as simple!