Restricted range of motion of left shoulder after radiation

I read that radiation side effects can appear 3 to even 6 month after your last treatment. So, this is reasonable to suspect this is due to radiation. Decreased range of motion in the treated area is a possible side effect. I'm going to see a radiologist oncologist on Monday - I'll ask for your and see what he says might be a solution.

Do you have hyperbaric oxygen in your area. I read that is helpful but something that I use that isn't near as expensive is Frequency Specific Microcurrent. Look it up on the web and it will give you an idea. I was in a car accident and using this my neck was better than before the accident. Here's an article on FSM helping

An Osteopathic Dr. sometimes utilizes this. I found one for my mother in Wisconsin and he was a D.O.

I read one report that noted the problem and improvement with therapy. I'm not allowed to post a link so you can look this up.

reports that at the end of the course of microcurrent therapy, 92% of the 26 patients exhibited improved cervical rotation, 85% had improved cervical extension/flexion, and 81% had improved cervical lateral flexion.

It is used by OT's for helping muscles relax - aid healing, its really amazing. I actually bought a unit for my husband who has a rare condition. I'm seeing my OT tomorrow and I'll ask him if this would be helpful for you. What area do you live in...I'll see if there is a practitioner there. My heart goes out to you. You might research Hyberbaric Oxygen if you have a place near you. I spoke with the doctor over the one in our area.

Hi espressofix,

These are great responses and advice. I was diagnosed in December, too. My surgery was lumpectomy with 11 lymph nodes removed. Only 5 were involved; the rest were clear. Even though my lymphedema risk is minimal, they referred me to a PT for baseline arm measurement and exercises. I didn't have tightness or cording after surgery, but I did a month later. It surprised me that it showed up later and not immediately after surgery.

I am about to start radiation, so I am hustling to do my PT exercises in advance because I have 35 sessions coming up. The PT wants to see me every week throughout radiation, to help with the range of motion and get rid of the cording/tightness.

I am very confident that what you described will resolve with help from a good PT (your MO can recommend one). Once you have the right exercise sheets printed for you from the PT, you can do those at home if desired. They can also massage the area if needed.

I truly think you may want systemic enzymes. They repair so many processes in your body while you sleep. My IMD has had me on them since early in my treatment. I have a degenerative disc in my spine which always caused terrible pain so I couldn't sit up in the morning. I just told my sister yesterday, I can't remember when my back last hurt.

They are all-natural and enteric-coated, so they cruise past your tummy and work to break down all of the surgery and radiation-induced scar tissue and inflammation throughout your body while you sleep. Vascuzyme by Ortho Molecular is the best/most affordable. VitalzymXe is top of the line but kind of expensive. S.E.'s can have a healthy blood thinning effect, so talk to your doctor if you are already on any blood thinners. Oh, and lots and lots of water in general. Half our body weight in oz. (116 lbs = 58 oz water daily) to help you recover from all those treatments.

Elizabett, you are a treasure. Those are really effective therapies not often known or understood by our traditional MOs. ACAM has a good search website listing integrative doctors practicing functional medicine in every state and also other countries. I am going to look up FSM as you suggested. Thanks! My IMD does a weekly "Ask the Doctor" Q&A on Youtube so it's a good venue for me to ask her about it.

Blessings to you,

Esther

Restricted range of motion is common. I had radiation, and also much more extensive surgery than you did, and every once in a while - despite trying to faithfully do my stretching exercises a home - it tightens up again.

PT has always taken care of it, and I also once had a steroid shot in my shoulder. But I've never needed hyperbaric oxygen.

I would recommend going to a PT therapist who specializes in post-breast cancer treatment, if there is one in your area. In my experience they just know what is going to work and I've gotten better results. Also, I've found that my surgeon has been much more likely to write an order for PT than my radiologist.

Good luck to you!