HOW TO REDUCE MASTECTOMY SCAR PAIN & TENSION: My 4 Treatment Techniques Following Mastectomy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- If you've had a Mastectomy (removal of a Breast or both Breasts) due to Breast Cancer, you may be experiencing a mild to significant amount of pain and tension in your chest. A lot of women I treat describe the feeling like a vice tightening around their chest.
This video was inspired by patients of mine that had Breast Cancer 11 and 15 years previously, and are STILL experiencing chest wall pain after Mastectomy because they were never referred to a Physiotherapist to treat the issue. So if you're a Medical or Health Professional watching this video - please refer your patients EARLY for education and treatment of scar tissue. It is a VERY common issue following Breast Cancer, but so straightforward to treat most of the time.
Mastectomy scar pain and tension should NOT be considered the new normal! So if you have these symptoms this video is for you. I share my 4 Main Treatment Techniques to relieve scar pain and tension following Mastectomy including:
1. Scar Massage - How to perform the massage
2. Mobiderm - A product I use to supplement the massage
3. Rib Cage Mobilisation - with a foam roller
4. Pectoralis Stretching - muscles around the shoulder girdle that can impact your freedom of movement through your chest.
I have done 4 videos on each of these topics and I refer to them within this video so here are the links below:
HOW TO REDUCE SCAR PAIN AFTER BREAST CANCER (Massage)
• How To Reduce Scar Pai...
HOW TO REDUCE BREAST PAIN AFTER LUMPECTOMY & RADIATION (Mobiderm)
• How To Reduce Breast P...
IMPROVING YOUR POSTURE AFTER BREAST CANCER (Rib Cage)
• Improving Posture Afte...
HOW TO TREAT STUBBORN CORDING (Pectoralis Stretching)
• HOW TO TREAT STUBBORN ...
LINKS TO EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS VIDEO:
Mobiderm: mobiderm.com.au/collections/m...
Brightlife - Medi Lymph Pads (Available in the US): www.brightlifedirect.com/prod...
Foam Roller:
myphysioshop.com.au/products/...
Three years after you posted you are still benefiting women who are just going through this. Thanks.
So grateful for your expertise and the time you took to support women like me.
My pleasure JF! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you. Just this morning, I said, 'when does the scar pain go away?' and then your video appeared.❤ Surgery for mastectomy was 1 NOV 2023.
I didn’t have a mastectomy but Thoratic surgery where they cut through my breast . I’ve never experienced such severe pain . Thankyou x
I have been following you for 2 weeks now, thanks for all the helpful Information and your smile also....
My pleasure Anne! Thank you for watching. Jen
Thank you so much for making this video and for acknowledging our reality years after.
Thankyou for your positive feedback Veronica! I'm so glad you found the video helpful! Jen x
Thanks very much for your kindness and great advise 🤗 I'm having tears in my eyes.
Awww that's so lovely Madeleine! I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you SO very much for this video and the others that you mentioned. I just subscribed and I’m absolutely certain that these videos will be very, very helpful post surgery. From the bottom of my heart, many, many thanks for your help and advice. Blessings to you each and every day. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻💕💕
Thank you for your lovely feedback Maura! I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Your videos have been very informative for an upcoming patient of mine. Fantastic content. - UK physio
Hey Nath! That is so fantastic to hear! Thanks for letting me know! Cheers for the comment. Jen :)
Thank you! This is really helpful!❤️
My pleasure!! Thankyou for watching! Jen x
Another great video Jen
Thankyou Sabrina! Your feedback is really appreciated! Jen x
Thank you so much for making this video
My pleasure Kristi! So glad it resonated with you. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
I'm so glad for this information some nights I cry myself to sleep with pain and I'm 5 years down . Glad someone doesn't just fob us off !! Will look into the pads in UK. Thankyou and hugs sent to everyone else struggling 🤗
Hello Heidi, thank you for reaching out. Would you like me to try and put you in touch with a Physiotherapist and / or Breast Care Nurses that I work with in the UK? Jen x
I had a mastectomy in 2015. I still have severe pain, particularly if I carry something close to my chest. I've had massage twice by a massage therapist in the first year and second year. Right now it is very painful, which is why I'm here at this moment.
Just had single mastecomy in March 2021. So appreciate your videos
Thanks so much for your comment and for watching my Channel Carolyn! Hope everything goes well with your recovery! Jen x
Thank you for the information.
Hi, thanks for your comment. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Two weeks post op for DMX to flat. I have cording, nerve pain & scar pain. I’m set up to start PT and massage therapy. Your video was very helpful.
Hi Elaine, SO so sorry for my very delayed reply. I hope all of your symptoms have resolved by now. Jen x
doing some research for my sister. thanks for the information
My pleasure Brix! Thanks for watching and commenting! Jen x
What a gift. Thank you so much for this invaluable information. I am five years into this “journey” and just now learning about Mobiderm. I am in Canada and hope I can find a local provider. Sending positive and abundance is all that is good to you Jen ❤️
Thankyou so much for your lovely comment Cinzia! Let me know if you'd like me to post you some Mobiderm. We charge for postage via PayPal. If you're interested just email me at enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Jen, you are wonderful and so kind to offer posting them. I would really appreciate you posting me some. I was not able to find any here. Please let me know what the process is. I am very grateful 🙏
my pleasure! If you can email me your postal address to enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com
Hello again
I just wondered whether you had any more news on any physios in the UK who may be able to help with this issue?
Thank you again
Sarah
You are so real I said how am I going to massage when I don’t want to touch it I could just cry, I just had mastectomy done June2 so new and in much pain 🙏🏼 thank you
Hi! Thanks for your beautiful feedback! I hope this video was really helpful. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio thank you I’m going to try to get in because I really need it 💕
How about draining it or remove. Very painful
Thank you so much for making these videos. They are invaluable. After 5 years of difficulty they have finally explained so much to me. I am in the south of the UK and just wondered if you know of any specialist physios over here doing what you do. My research so far has not found anyone. Wish I could hop over to Australia and pay you a visit.
Also, I would be interested to know if you are able to post mobiderm to the uk, I cannot seem to find anything similar here? I had double mastectomy and have all the rib tightness and scar discomfort you describe. It would be so helpful to try the mobiderm.
Hello Sarah! Thank you so much for your lovely comments! I can't wait for international travel to open up so I can get to the UK! I am hunting Physios over there but no luck so far. Would you like to do a Virtual Appointment with me? I am doing them regularly and they can be very helpful. Jen x
Thanks for your reply Jen. Can you tell me what your fees for this would be, so I can think about it? Also, if there’s any way I can source Mobiderm over here? Thank you.
Absolutely Sarah! We just charge for postage via PayPal. Email me your postal address to enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com
Cost of 1hr Virtual Consult is AU$220 and 30mins AU$110.
Something you may want to reiterate at the beginning of your videos, is to please look at those hand outs they give you at pre-op.
Pt is so important! I am learning the hard way. But I’m very thankful for your videos!
I am working through cording. My surgery was 8/4/21. Cording was explained to me, by my new PT, that this is a vessel (like a vein) that carries your lymphatic fluid. Lymphatic fluid carries a lot of protein and because it doesn’t have anywhere to go it now builds up collagen, causing scar tissue. I was not told about that pre-op.
I was very afraid to over do it and I under did it.
Thank you again!
Hi! Sorry for my very delayed reply. Thank you for your comments. So glad the videos are helpful. From what I see clinically I don't think cords are lymphatic vessels. Due to the presentation and behavior of cording it is highly likely to be tight nerve tissue. As long as it is resolving though, that is the most important thing. Jen
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio agreed and makes much more sense.
Thank you! 💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓
Hey Marg! Looks like this video resonated with you!! Thank you for your lovely feedback! Jen x
Good content.very informative.had a bilateral surgery. Phantom pains
Thank you very much Lamiya! Appreciate you watching and commenting. I should do a video on Phantom pains - I'm assuming it's phantom nipple pain if you don't mind me asking? Jen
@@TheBreastCancerPhysioyes
Thank you where you get it
I just had a mastectomy a month ago. When should I begin these helpful tips you've presented?
this is so helpful i have suffered from terrible pain for 2.5 years post bilateral breast cancer surgery and lymph node clearance its awful i will try all youve advised no help on nhs in uk
Thank you for your kind feedback Laura. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
I am in U.K., did mastectomy, had pain and stiff. I did acupuncture which really helped, no need to take any more painkillers.
Hi Vivian, thank for your comments. I try to avoid acupuncture where possible due to potential infection risk. Any needlestick penetration after lymph node removal needs to be carefully considered for each patient. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Mastectomy in 2015. No reconstruction because I couldn't decide what to do. I have excellent posture. I had two massages one year or less out, but she retired. Sometimes I get severe pain, which is happening right now.
Thank you for this video. I'm not sure why therapy is not included or not given an attention by surgeons. They will just prescribe some drugs, which I am not fond of. Your video is so helpful. I'm surgery is 4 months now but I'm still this tightness and some pain. My pain is sometimes sudden and sharp. Seems like the nerves are looking for nipples. it goes away though. Do you have a link on how skin heal? Thank you.
Hi and Thank you for your comment. Sorry for my slow reply. We definitely still have a culture to change in the Breast Cancer so that more Medical Professionals refer on to Allied Health Professionals. If you still have pain 4 months after surgery then definitely try the treatment techniques I've suggested in this video. Scars usually heal over 4-6 weeks. I hope that answers your question? Jen x
Please send the link for the mobyderm?? Not sure of spelling. Ty!!
Thanks for your comment Angelica. Are you located in Australia or the US? There is a product in the US that is equivalent to Mobiderm called Medi Lymph Pads Link: www.brightlifedirect.com/products/mediven-lymph-pads
If you're in Australia here is the link to Mobiderm: mobiderm.com.au/collections/mobiderm-bandage-system/products/mobiderm-15mm-x-15mm-blocks
I just found your videos! I am almost 18 months post radiation for mastectomy and have had radiation scarring starting about 4-5 months after my last radiation treatment. Can you use a massage gun for massaging yourself? Also, should I even consider a surgery to reduce the scarring and add some autologous fat?
I had bilateral mastectomy 4 months ago. I immediately had a tight, painful band where a bra band would be. The band can be felt and feels like a thick cord under the skin. At times it is so tight it feels painful to even breathe, and always feels like I’m wearing a bra several sizes too small. Last week I had my COVID booster as well as my second shingles jab. I had a fever off and on all week and there is significant swelling above the band on the same side as the jabs. I had a lymph node removed on the opposite side during the surgery. My doctor is extremely unhelpful and no matter what questions I ask, her response is “that’s normal”. My scars feel fine with no tightness. The pain is unbearable and she wouldn’t even give me a pain script when I left hospital, which was just an hour after surgery (surgery at 2pm, left hospital at 6pm). Help! PS my best friend who has been an er nurse for 30 years saw my chest last week and gasped! She has never seen a worse outcome for bilateral mastectomy in all her years of nursing (38 years total). She described it as “criminal”.
Hi Susan, so sorry for my slow reply. If you can, I would seek a second opinion from another doctor as it sounds like your doctor is not helping you move forward. You need referral to a Physiotherapist / Physical Therapist who can help reduce your scar tension. What country are you from? Jen x
Hi Jen I really appreciate your sessions. I don’t have any difficulty with arm movement. I do have pain after I sleep on my side and turn on my back- the double mastectomy area hurts and I find pressing a pillow over my chest helps. Do you know why the area of the mastectomy would hurt? I had my revision 6 month ago? Thank you Jan
Hi Jan! Sorry for my slow reply. I now have a Private Facebook Group called The Compass Community. I will be discussing chronic pain after Breast Cancer on Thursday 3rd November at AEST 9am. Here is the link if you'd like to join the group: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you for info, I’m dealing with scar tissue, I’ve had bilateral mastectomy 9 months ago and I’m so tight and in pain
Hi Diane, it is very common to feel really tight and in pain following a double mastectomy. Do you have access to a qualified therapist who is experienced in breast cancer care? If not I can do a Telehealth appointment with you to show you how you can improve your symptoms. If you're interested in this please email me enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com
Going to my oncologist Friday to refer me to therapy. Thanks for your reply. This has been a journey I wouldn’t wish on nobody.
Thank you so much for responding to me, I’m going this Friday to my oncologist for a referral to a qualified therapist. Your so informative, I will stay in touch for sure 👍🏻❤️
@@dianeperez3188 that's fantastic to hear! I hope you get the referral and a great therapist! Jen
I had my double mastectomy 2.5 weeks ago, when should I start the massage?
Hi - what is the massage technique - i.e. is it a firm press up and down on the scar or is it firm circular movements over the scar or does that not matter? Also how long should you massage the scar for - 5 minutes? Would appreciate your guidance with this, many thanks, Becky
Hi Becky! Thanks for watching and commenting. The technique doesn't really matter, as long as you get that scar tissue moving. Depending on your tolerance to scar massage, you can start in really short bursts of 20 seconds, or as long as 5 mins. Just depends on tolerance to pressure. I hope this helps. Jen
Can you give us a demonstration of how one places the mobiderm or lymph pads? Also in the posture video, what diameter foam roller should I buy?
Hi Tona! So sorry for my slow reply. I am going to start doing more "demo" videos on my Channel including your request. If you would like to email me enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com I can send you some photos to start with. Jen x
Do we have a video demo for massage available now? I really need to see one. I’m a visual learner! Thanks!
Can you share video and show how to do?
Is there a video that actually shows the message technique? Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth, sorry there isn't - I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Day 12 after double mastectomy and breast reconstruction with silicone implants and lymph nodes removed in north arms. I do not want to keep taking pain killers. I am walking and using surgical bras 24/7. Very difficult.
Hi Nicole, it is very common to still be uncomfortable less than 2 weeks after this surgery. Are you able to see a Physiotherapist / Physical Therapist to help reduce your pain? I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Can I just ask, I’m in the uk and have found mobiderm online and wanted to purchase some but I’m just wondering what size pad I should get for mastectomy scar pain and should I just pop it into my bra. Thank you so much for your videos. I have been seeing physio at my hospital for cording and a firm scar with pain but it’s not improving and now think that I’m starting with Lymphedema.
Hi Alison, I am so sorry I didn't see your comment. I would aim to get a piece of Mobiderm ideally big enough to cover the area of tissue you want to improve. If you can't get a big enough piece to cover the tight /swollen tissue get as big as you can and move it into different positions over the course of the day. Not as practical but it can be done. Hope this helps! Jen
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you for your reply Jen, I have been using the Mobiderm now for a few weeks and it’s helping. Really appreciate your informative videos as help in the uk with issues such as cording and scar pain is not great and your tips have really helped.
@@alisonkavanagh8306 awesome to hear!
Hi dear, how many hours a day should we leave mobiderm on? Thank you so much for your wonderful information.❤️
Thanks for your question. You can wear Mobiderm for as long as is tolerable. Some women report it gets annoying after a few hours, so if this occurs just take it out and see if you can build up your tolerance over time. I hope this helps! Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio
I wore my mobiderm yesterday the whole day I it already made a big difference..
Thank you so much for such a helpful channel.
May Jesus keep blessing you..❤️
@@NaturallyFrugal1 Ah fantastic!!! x
2022
1 need this bad
Glad this video was helpful Patsy. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
👍
I cannot fink link fir foam rolling. Could you please send it to me. Thx Brenda
www.ebay.com.au/itm/173641746877?chn=ps&_ul=AU&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1hIz7VQCuTmS2-zlhs1F8xA36&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&itemid=173641746877&targetid=&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9068907&poi=&campaignid=15984321586&mkgroupid=&rlsatarget=&abcId=9300814&merchantid=107399477&gclid=Cj0KCQiApL2QBhC8ARIsAGMm-KG_-U--Gl1kZyPkSAHgpE1T7PoMVn7y-XgazXkgvFgc5xivknWi4EcaAqsGEALw_wcB
Hi Brenda! I have put a link to a foam roller from Ebay below. If you google Foam Roller you should have plenty of options come up. Hope this helps! Jen
Can you show some techniques about the massage? I think that would be more helpful rather than your long lectures.
Hi Sue, I agree that demonstration of technique is important and this is something I plan to show in future videos. Please be a bit more courteous though when making requests. It takes me a lot of effort to get these videos produced. Thanks, Jen
Skin tight across chest and cording and advise
Hi Yvonne, I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Had mastectomy 3 moths ago have got discolouration of a yellow colour a good part of breast
Hi Patricia, I've seen this once before - it may be old bruising from surgery that is a bit trapped around the scar of the mastectomy. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Since June 14. 2002
I can’t find any links; I’m on my mobile 🙈
Hi Brenda, here is the link to Mobiderm's website: mobiderm.com.au/collections/mobiderm-bandage-system
Should I wear bra or not?😊
I just found your videos! I am almost 18 months post radiation for mastectomy and have had radiation scarring starting about 4-5 months after my last radiation treatment. Can you use a massage gun for massaging yourself? Also, should I even consider a surgery to reduce the scarring and add some autologous fat?
Hi, thanks for your question and apologies for my slow reply. I have seen patients with Radiation Fibrosis who have had surgery, but it has been breast reconstruction after mastectomy and for at least a few cases I have seen significant improvement in their tissue following the reconstruction (specifically DIEP Flap breast reconstruction). There are some patients who are having fat grafting procedures done (as opposed to breast reconstruction) to assist with reducing the impact of radiated scar tissue. I haven't seen anyone with this myself as yet but have heard the results are good. I have also heard of some women trying a massage gun for their radiation fibrosis with some reasonable results. I hope this information helps.
I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
I just found your videos! I am almost 18 months post radiation for mastectomy and have had radiation scarring starting about 4-5 months after my last radiation treatment. Can you use a massage gun for massaging yourself? Also, should I even consider a surgery to reduce the scarring and add some autologous fat?
Hello! So sorry for my very slow reply. I have had some patients trial a massage gun on the area of radiated tissue but I would speak with a experienced therapist before trying this on your own. Surgery can definitely be considered to reduce the impact of the scar tissue. If you'd like to set up a Telehealth one-on-one with me we can discuss treatment options further.
I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity