Better ROM with when you swap out?

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Pepper01
Pepper01 Member Posts: 19
edited August 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

I was wondering if the tissue expanders actually limit ROM and it gets better when you get implants...I just had expanders placed at the time of my bilateral mastectomy on 8/11 and I am so scared of not getting my ROM back. I can't afford physical therapy and am scared I'm going to be stuck like this. I am on disability now but have a very physical job. I stack boxes in trailors and need to be able to place items high up. So if I do exercises on my own as soon as possible can I get it all back. I am 35.

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited August 2017

    Hi Pepper, you can get it all back but slowly and with proper guidance. Your plastic surgeon who put in the expanders should advise you on what exercises you can start doing on your own and how soon. If the PS is not willing or is not accessible, go to your breast surgeon and ask what exercises you can/cannot do and how soon you can start. The best option would be getting a referral to physical therapist who specializes in post-mastectomy care. You don't need to have many sessions with physical therapist, even one session would be helpful.

    Be very careful as starting too soon or doing too much or doing wrong movements can damage your reconstruction.

    Best.

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  • Pepper01
    Pepper01 Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2017

    Thank you! I think I am just worried a lot. I can probably do one session with a PT but that would be about it. I think I am worried that without PT I won't get it all back. It has only been 10 days though. Is the pain when reaching because of the actual surgery or is it scar tissue forming restricting ROM?

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  • Hopfull2
    Hopfull2 Member Posts: 418
    edited August 2017

    hi pepper, I just started my PT 3 weeks ago. I saw major improvement after my 1st session. My insurance is covering my sessions you might want to look into that. But if not then u can just do lots of arm stretches. Also I noticed that when the OT massaged around my shoulders it felt better she said it reduces scar tissue.

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  • Pepper01
    Pepper01 Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2017

    Thanks! I don't have any insurance and I am living off disability check to check so I was just concerned because it doesn't look like PT is an option for me.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited August 2017

    You might check about PT assistance with the social work office where you had the surgery. I felt like it really helped - the exercises they explained to me so I could do them properly at home and the manipulation and massage of certain areas under my arms made a huge difference.

    I think the mobility limitations are a combination of initial swelling due to inflammation from the surgery and scar tissue developing later. It's really important to gradually increase ROM with guidance.


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