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Question

Hi ladies,
This is my first blog.....ever!!! Still not sure what a blog really is so forgive me if I get it wrong :)
I was wondering if anyone could help me with some stretches or exercises for a frozen shoulder which is progressively getting worse.
I had a double mastectomy with 9 nodes taken from my right side and the sentinel node from the left.&nbsp; I have developed a nasty case of lymphoedema in my right arm which also happens to be the side that my shoulder is freezing on.
My partner and I love to do rock n roll dancing, and this is now starting to affect my ability to do all the moves, so its time to kick its butt and fix this little hurdle.
Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Cheers all
x

lisas · Answer

Hi,
If you can, I would see a physio about the Lymphoedema and the frozen shoulder. One who specialises in breast cancer patients.
is your shoulder freezing due to post-surgery nerve damage or the Lymphoedema? How long ago was your surgery?
the reason I ask is because of my own experience....
after my lymph node surgery in June/July, the nerves in my armpit and back of my arm go numb every now and then. This is normal. I don't need to do anything. It will hopefully go away.
for my Lymphodema I wear a special sleeve when I exercise and have been taught by my physio a daily massage technique to prevent it getting worse (thickening, hardening). I have been told not to "overwork" my arm.
I also have cording from the Lymphodema which stops me straightening my arm all the way. I get regular massages / check ups from the physio too.
so, it could be any of these things. Or something else entirely. my suggestion is to see a physio who specialises in this, because my GP had no idea what my cording was.
keep on dancing!
L

tinaw2911 · Answer

Hi Lisa,
Thanks for that info :)
I had some cording after surgery but was able to break that with stretching and hanging off the tops of door ways :)
My surgery was back in January, but the shoulder has only started happening in the last month or so.
I have been using a sleeve for the dema and having laser and massage, but its being a pain in the butt and not getting any better.&nbsp; I have also tried acupuncture with no results.
Going to ring cancer council and see if they can recommend a physio who specializes in this kind of thing.
Thanks again for your help :-)

jane221 · Answer

Hi, you could try looking up the Australian Physiotherapy Assoc website to find someone in your area (hopefully) that specialises in lymphoedema. The website has a Find a Physio feature that you can plug in your location / postcode and area of interest ie lymphoedema, and hopefully it will bring up some options for you.
BTW, well done on your first blog! &nbsp;Jane xx

Answer

Hi and welcome to the network, my breast care nurse gave me some stretching exercises, along with some lymphoedema drainage exercises. My husband helps me with lymphatic drainage as well. My physio has suggested just light weights as I can cope with it, and to do the exercises slowly, no jerky movements like boxer use, as it makes the swelling worse. Hope that you find a solution, take care, Trace ????

tinaw2911 · Answer

Thanks Ladies
I have discovered that the ladies I go to for my lymphoedema are also physiotherapists! - Thanks Cancer Council ! :)
So I will get some work done at my next appointment.
Have to say, I am so glad I found this site.&nbsp; So many positive, happy and helpful women - yay for us!!!
x

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