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StarGirl's avatar
StarGirl
Member
5 years ago

Muscle spasms - post radiation?

Does anyone else have trouble with muscle spasms? Prior to mastectomy and radiation I never had any issues, but since radiotherapy in Jan 2019 I have multiple muscle spasms every day under my ribs and across my chest and around the shoulder blade area (not necessarily all at once). It seems to be positional and things like bending down to tie my shoe, sitting up in bed, a low chair, twisting etc all cause really painful spasms. I can only relieve the spasm if I wriggle around and contort myself into various odd sort of counter positions and when I get the right position the cramp/spasm then ‘releases’, I can actually feel a shift, and the pain disappears instantly (until next time). Each episode is very short, but it’s stop you in your tracks, bring tears to your eyes pain. I already take magnesium and exercise daily, but this hasn’t helped. I’m at my wits end. Any suggestions? 
post-treatment
radiotherapy
  • poodlejules's avatar
    poodlejules
    Member
    5 years ago
    No I don't think I've seen my ribs since I was 8 ;). Gua Sha is the formal name for the massage . It didn't hurt me but if you have very sensitive skin it might not be the best method for you . Hope it gets better soon :smiley:

  • StarGirl's avatar
    StarGirl
    Member
    5 years ago
    @poodlejules a coin??? Scraping? Doesn’t that hurt? My skin is so sensitive even clothes irritate. I’m not sure there’s any tissue over my ribs? I can clearly see every single one through the skin? Are yours not like that?
  • poodlejules's avatar
    poodlejules
    Member
    5 years ago
    I get them too on my left side , shoulder and around to my back. Mainly reaching for the remote after sitting for a while! I also have very sore ribs on that (radiated) side and have had CT scans to check out the bones there and all was good. My surgeon calls it radiation change . My physio tells me to do the seated twisted and arm exercises and it goes away for a while but comes back. I also find that some of my yoga poses aggravate it........or maybe helping it by stretching it ..........who knows??? :) I did have a wonderful massage  before covid struck where she used a coin to scrape the tissue away from the ribs . A Chinese method. Your skin becomes grazed and red but that is part of the healing process and it gave me great relief , I'm hanging out for another one! Take care!
  • StarGirl's avatar
    StarGirl
    Member
    5 years ago
    Thank you @lrb_03, I haven’t heard of myofascial release. I will do some research. Thank you
  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    5 years ago
    Yes yes yes!
    Breath taking, isn't it 

    I perhaps don't get it to your degree. I had chemo, lumpectomy & radiotherapy back in 2015

    One thing that I believe helps me, especially along the front, is a long story. I developed lymphoedema very early in my recovery. A couple of years later, my lymphoedema physio employed a massage therapist to undertake a lot of the lymphatic massage. But this time, I'd also developed bilateral wrist issues that was preventing me from doing my own self massage, so I started having regular breast and arm lymphatic massages. About 12-18 months ago, the practice bought a Lymphatouch device, to aid lymphatic massage

    What your question tonight has made me realise, is that I am getting far fewer anterior spasms these days. Just under my breast I have some quite deep oedema, and my massage therapist has also spoken of doing some myofascial release work there, by using the device on quite a high setting.

    Considering that I still get the spasms in my back,  the myofascial release work is the only difference that I can think of

    This could all have been a really long winded way of saying maybe try to find a massage therapist who doe myofascial release work 

    Hope this is helpful