Cording - Years out from surgery

ratbait

I have minor cording in my underarm.  I am 4+ years out from surgery, and went through several rounds of significant cording the first six months after surgery.

 What is the best way to relieve the cording, and can I do it myself?  I know I need to stretch, but should the massage be light (like lymphatic?) or deep (like scar tissue?)  And can I get relief on my own, or do I need to see a therapist?

Thanks! 

kira66715

I had significant cording post op, and was actively treated for it, and now, almost 4 years out, I will get the occasional recurrence--it happened last week.

I did a lot of overhead stretching, and stretching where I laid on the bed, arms overhead, and knees to the other side. I also picked up on the MLD.

Did you see the AWS page on stepupspeakout?

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm 

When in doubt, a qualified LE therapist--who knows how to treat cording--is a good idea.

The self massage for manipulating a cord is to stabilize the base of it with one hand, and to gently "skin lift" with the other. But as we only have two hands--the next technique is easier:

The Burt and White book suggests that you lay back on pillows, and if the cords come from the axilla, put your affected arm out to the side, on the pillows, and use your other arm, placed just above the axilla to gently pull toward the opposite hip, try and hold for 60-90 seconds--does that make any sense?

Also, you can reach out to the side, and gently flex at the wrist to put some traction on the cord.

Kira 

ratbait

Thanks Kira.  I don't visit here often, but am always grateful for the information others so gracefully share.