Starting PT 1 month after BMX...any experience out there?

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Luna52
Luna52 Member Posts: 147
edited October 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Almost 4 weeks into recovery, I noticed that my cancer side arm was developing ROM problems. Very noticeable on some of the exercises I was given.. especially "snow angel". I also observed that I have 2 thin tight cords in that armpit - very tender to the touch. I can reach above my head but not straight like my left arem.

I went back to my surgeon who recommended PT; I start on Monday.

Did anyone go to physical therapy? What should I expect? I'm still very swollen and lumpy so even figuring out what to wear to PT is a challenge.

Thanks again to all you amazing women on this forum!




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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited October 2016

    I'm a big advocate of PT in helping you regain your pre-surgical strength, ROM and functioning. I went to a breast cancer PT who was a certified lympedema specialist. I went every week for an hour for 6 weeks and then less frequently. I did not have cording (axillary web syndrome), which the PT can help you with. It does tend to resolve on its own, but PT treatment and exercises will expedite healing. My PT had gowns to wear, but I was comfortable topless (it was always in a private room), which allowed her optimal visibility and access. She showed me drainage massage techniques, manipulated and stretched muscles, and gave me several exercises with specified reps as my homework. Some was done lying on a table and others against walls and using equipment, such as bands and weights (equipment came in later sessions). These changed every week. Wear comfortable loose clothing, perhaps a tank top, if you would feel better not removing your top. Good luck!

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  • grandma3X
    grandma3X Member Posts: 759
    edited October 2016
    I'm also s big fan of PT. I started about 4 weeks postop and like you I was a but skeptical. But it help ROM issues tremendously. I went 3x a week for 3 weeks. By that time I had regained at least 95% ROM. I had a second PMX a few months later and continued with exercises on my own. I did not have cording but the PT was also a lymphadema expert so would have been able to identify any issues early.
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  • meg2016
    meg2016 Member Posts: 287
    edited October 2016

    My surgeon scheduled my first PT appointment the week after surgery. Mostly, just to talk for that appointment. Then she wants to see me five days a week for a couple of weeks to get my ROM where it needs to be for radiation, this includes both exercises and myofascial massage. And then I will continue 2-3 days per week during radiation to continue to work on ROM and reducing scar tissue. I also do have a little cording that we are working on.

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