HOW TO DO MASSAGE FOR CORDING - Massaging Technique for Cording After Breast Cancer Surgery
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ม.ค. 2021
- If you've had Breast Cancer Surgery you might be experiencing a common condition known as Cording. But how do you treat cording? In this video I explain what cording is and how it presents, but I focus on how to perform MASSAGE to resolve Cording including Pressure, Direction, Frequency and what creams I recommend using.
I have two other videos on Cording (see the links below) that show you the other treatment techniques I use to resolve this condition, so also check them out when you get a moment.
And remember to subscribe to my Channel which is completely free!
OTHER VIDEOS ON CORDING:
How To Resolve Cording After Breast Cancer:
• How to Resolve Cording...
How To Treat Stubborn Cording:
• HOW TO TREAT STUBBORN ...
I welcome you to ask questions, participate and join me as we explore the intricacies of Breast Cancer and help YOU return to your most optimal health following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
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Your go-to resource for optimising your Quality Of Life during and after Breast cancer.
Your videos are the best resource for post masectomy patients on the Internet. ❤ Thank you so so much.
Watched several of your videos and completely amazed at how exact my issues are to your advice. Thank you. I'm am so much more relieved to know I'm normal.
Haha! You are VERY NORMAL Dawn! This is one of the reasons I love making these videos - women from all over the world now tell me the same stories about their Breast Cancer Treatment side effects. So stoked the videos are helping you! Jen x
I got cording after too much upper body pressure holding myself up for too long while foam rolling my IT band and quads. I had to wait 3 weeks to see a PT! I sent your video to the PT as a primer and instructional before my first session coming up this week!
Thank you so much. Super helpful
Thank you for sharing such valuable information and techniques. My Physiotherapist treats my cording with suction cups. I will add the daily self massage and neural mobilization exercises. Your videos are great! very grateful ❣️
Thank you Cinzia! I received your message about posting the Mobiderm - I will get back to you ASAP! Jen x
Thank you so much!! 🙏🏻
My pleasure and thank you for your lovely feedback! 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!
My pleasure Tori! Thanks for commenting and watching! Jen x
Hello, I had BC surgery 2014, left breast.
Fast forward 4-2022.
I just had rotator cuff surgery, and cording presented itself 6 weeks post op.
My pt confirmed what it was.
Thank you for this video
Hope you can get your cording resolved quickly Leslie. 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
Fantastic to hear Leslie! 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
Thank you 😊
My pleasure Carly! Jen x
Bless you for these helpful videos. I had ten nodes removed.
Thank you for your lovely feedback! 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
do you have a video that shows you how to perform the massage?
Thank you so much for this video. I can get started with massage and exercises while I am waiting for my physio appointment. One question I have is when should I do the daily massage relative to when I'm doing the twice-a-day exercise? Is it better before or after the exercise (easiest to remember) or at a completely different time?
Hi Elaine, so sorry for my delayed reply. I would tend to do your massage PRIOR to your exercise to allow the cording to be as flexible as possible for the exercises. The most important thing though is to make sure the timing of your massage is practical for you. Hope this helps! Jen x
Hello Jen
I'm almost 4 weeks post surgery and have fairly good mobility but the tightness is so ouchy that it's really hard to do firm massage. My arm feels like sunburn and where it's tight is pretty painful. My nurse told me to use pain relief first but I don't think it really does much for nerve pain. With regards the stretching and moving the hand back & forth, is this enough or should I be doing my post op stretching exercises too?
Many thanks. I feel more confident finding your channel
Kind regards
Sue
This works! Thank you so much for posting! Is there anything at all I can do about huge seromas I have?
So glad this video was 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, including information on seromas. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Really helpful info! Is there a place that you show specific massage techniques?
Hi Sarah! I will see if I can organise to do a video on a willing breast cancer to show how I perform the massage. Great idea! Jen
I experienced cording after my lumpectomy in Aug 2020, all of which was resolved with the recommended exercises for same; however, since practicing a regular full body weight lifting routine (light to moderate weight with reps to exhaustion) in the last couple of months, I’m seeing the return of cording. I have no pain during workout (I’m very active, also cycling, yoga, walking and hiking) only mild to moderate discomfort at full extension of arm in certain stretches (arms out in front of me for one). Any comment and or suggestion? I know with the amount of time elapsed since surgery this is uncommon, based on my google research. Thanks!
These videos are very informative and shed light on complications that can be treated! Well done, Jen. However, please seek out a trained OT/PT in your area and don’t try to handle this on your own through videos. An actual professional exam and manual techniques will be much more effective :)
Hi Anne, thanks for your comment. The reason I suggest patients start treating themselves is that so many women diagnosed with Breast Cancer may not have a trained therapist located near them. Also, some women have therapists nearby but they're not confident treating women with Breast Cancer. So the best fallback option is to learn how to self manage. Certainly not ideal - I agree with you on that for sure, but I am aiming to empower women as much as possible within their circumstances around the globe. Jen x
Can you get this from breast reduction and lift?
Do you ever use essential oils with massage to treat cording? Also want to thank you for your helpful information.
I only had 3 nodes removed and yet it causes cording at times. Even though my cording is minimal, it is enough to bother me. I can’t imagine those cancer patients who had up to 30 nodes removed. 😳😔. 3 nodes removed and yet still get occasional cording, not sure what my surgeon has done to me. Btw, I find using a jade roller helps. I use it when my under arm (armpit area) feels tight. My jade roller has a roller on one end that has jagged edges and the other end with a roller that is smooth. Sometimes using just fingers can be tiring, so little tools like a jade roller helps. 💖
Hi Jen, I am 3 weeks post-op mastectomy and although I could see a cord like structure in my arm pit and pain running from armpit to elbow, it was only a week ago (2 weeks post-op) that breast care nurse confirmed cording. I am now doing daily massage and your first stage stretch for cording along with general mobilisation for shoulder. I haven't heard any popping yet 4 days in. How long does it take to ease and should I in the meantime ask for physio referral too? Thank you. Yvette.
It really sucks she puts out these videos and doesn't bother to come back and answer questions. Or at least have someone on her staff answer them.
I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy 2 1/2 weeks ago. I have cording in my upper arm, armpit, breast and side. Is it too early for me to start these massages, since my surgery was recently? I’ve also developed a hard lump at by biopsy incision, can I massage around that?
Hi Brenda, as long as your wounds are healed and your Medical Team have cleared it, you can start gentle massage on the cord. If the same applies to the biopsy site then yes you can also massage this area. Jen
I have just find out a cord in my right armpit while taking shower with no pain and skin changes, I have no medical history of breast cancer treatment. Is it normal to have cording without medical history? Or is it a sign of lymphedema or any other health condition?
Do you do little circles, or just run your hand along the cord, pressing firmly?
Either or. Don't worry too much about the specifics of how you massage - whatever you can do to soften /break up the cords is a good thing. Firm pressure is more effective but it must be tolerable. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio I appreciate your videos and your taking the time to answer. It helps a lot.
Hi Jen 7 days since my bc surgery, I am massage therapist , getting pain & pulling from my posterior axilla down to latissumus dorsi , been using ice pack to relieve it but gentle massage also is really helping if I hold the area near my breast where the stitches are mobilising my arm and gentle massage is helping a lot, obviously pain is my guide but is it too early to start treatment ?
Cheers Eva
Hi Eva, you can continue with what you are doing but make sure you keep it gentle as wounds are healing in the first 2-4 weeks. 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
Where is the part of the video that shows the actual massage? I'm so confused, I can't find it.
Hi, thanks for your feedback. Unfortunately this video was poorly done on my behalf and I didn't demonstrate the massage despite the title of the video. I've since 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
👍
Neuro stretching exercises how to needed
Hi Ramona, 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 have never been diagnosed with Brest cancer and never had any surgery for it but I suddenly have this extremely painful cord that came out of nowhere. Doctors are calling it thrombophlebitis but it truly feels like a cord like described here. It’s crazy idk where it came from! It pulls from my forearm to my armpit and it’s extremely painful
Thanks for your comment and for watching. Definitely make sure you get a thorough diagnosis if you think you have cording but you haven't had lymph node removal. There are people who say they have cording without lymph node removal and if this is the case I suspect it is from tension. Jen x
Jen how soon after the surgery (mastectomy with lymph node removal) would you start with the neural mobilization, and then the massage? Many thanks
Hi Evi! So sorry for my slow reply. I think you've already joined my new Private Facebook Group The Compass Community - THANKYOU! You can start gentle nerve mobilisation stretching in the days following the surgery - but make sure you are gentle so you don't disrupt stitches / wound healing. Massage leave until 4 weeks post surgery or until all wounds are healed and no signs of infection. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you!
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Will the cording ever resolve completely?
@@evipatsia2509 whenever I have had patients who have persisted with the correct treatment techniques, yes cording has resolved even when stubborn! Jen
I seem to have gone backwards with my arm movements- can no longer reach it behind me to do bra strap. Some of the stretches I was given are too painful to now do so I’ve had to modify. I believe I do have cording and am guilty of not massaging enough. Being back at work on a computer has probably not helped hence the effort to do more regular exercises but I’m getting disheartened.
Definitely time for a Physio session so we can have a closer look at what is happening Emma. There are many reasons - but not necessarily bad or untreatable- shoulder movement can get worse.
How are you and blessings 💕 what if i still have drainage in
Wait until all drains are removed before doing anything too major including massage.
What to do when the cording is excruciating to be massaged? Still have a lot of numbness, except my armpit.
Hi Tammy, keep you massage very gentle to start with - just within tolerance. It is common for to be very sensitive in the early stages of it. Keep persisting with treatment. 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
HOW EXACTLY do you massage your arm?
Hi, I will do another video demonstrating the massage. I have had a few people asking this same question so I will re-do the video. Jen
I was expecting to see exactly how to do the massage. Is that available?
Hi Darceean, I will do a follow-up video and demonstrate how I perform the massage technique. Thanks for your comment, a few people have been asking about this. Jen
Can you show the actual massage technique?
Hi Rahab, I certainly can. I will arrange to do a video where I actually demonstrate the technique on a patient. Watch this space! Jen :)
Hi I was hoping to see the actual demo of the massage. Do you have such video available? It would be a great help for me and also is the massage and exercise sill effective for someone with cording for over a year now? Thanks in advance
Hi Rhodora, I will re-do this video as many people have asked me for a demonstration. And yes, the massage technique and stretching should still be effective for chronic cording. Jen :)
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you I really appreciate your reply
I would love to see the actual massage technique. Should my arm be raised? Should it rest on something? Leave it hanging down and massage the armpit. Help.
It helps to raise the arm for 2 reasons - 1. to access the armpit to get to the cords, and 2. to put the cord on some stretch whilst massaging. You can rest you hand on a stable object e.g wall or chair so your shoulder doesn't get tired during the massage. Hope this helps! Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thanks so much for answering these questions.
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Hello Dear,
Do you have a video demonstrating step by step how to do the cording massage?
Thank you in advance 🦋
@@msbutterfly08 not yet :) But I can certainly make one. However in saying that, I don't tend to follow any hard and fast rules with my massage - I just feel for the cords and try to improve the flexibility of the tissue.
I wasn't told I have cording, but a scar tissue knot. I have been referred to physical therapy, but not for another 4 weeks. Can I use these same messages? I had a double mastectomy 13 days ago and 14 lymph nodes were removed on the right side. I also have keloids and scar tissue problems.
Hi Katrinda! So sorry for my slow reply. Thanks for watching and commenting. You can use the same massage technique for scar tissue knots, however, it is really important to make sure your wounds are completely healed prior to commencing scar tissue massage. Generally wounds are healed by the 4 week mark but if you're not sure when to start Katrinda, check with your Medical Team. 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
is it advisable to use a massage gun for this?
Hi Karla, I would get clearance from your medical team before using a Massage gun. 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 you show the actual massage technique please?
Hi Wendy, so sorry - when I originally filmed this video my editing skills were not up to scratch and I didn't know how to overlay another video to show the massage. 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 now had cording 9 months after my surgery is that normal?
Hi, so sorry for my delayed reply. Cording can occur months after breast cancer. I don't see it often but it can occur. You can treat it and usually resolve it in the same way we do with cording that occurs during treatment. 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
Sister, can we apply oil to massage because oil acts as good lubricant. ❤ love from India.
Hi Lakshmi! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. You can use oil but I always tell my patients to be cautious with oil based moisturisers if you have had radiation because the radiated area can still be hot some months following treatment, and oil may feel like it is making the area even hotter. I prefer to use water-based moisturisers, but at the end of the day you can use whatever lubricant you're not allergic or intolerant to. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you so much for your reply dear.
Can you show how to massage?
Hi, so sorry - when I did this video a few years ago I didn't have the editing skills to put a layered video with explanation in. 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
Good info, but where is the “how to”? Thanks.
Hi Prixie, sorry for my slow reply. 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. I'll be doing live demonstrations of treatment starting very soon on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
There is no actual massage shown here
Lots of great information but your title should be why to do massage for cording as you never give any demo
Your video only Talks about cording but you don't physically show how to massage the cording .
Hi Joanne, I'm so sorry - when I published this video I didn't have the editing skills I do now! 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
You don’t show the massage techniques……
Hi, sorry, when I filmed this video I wasn't as competent with editing. 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
You say almost nothing how to do massage!
Hi Micky, I have had a number of people alert me to the fact that my video needs improvement in terms of demonstration of the massage. I will do another video where I demonstrate it on a patient. In future would you please use more courtesy when requesting improvements on my channel. Jen
Well it would’ve been more helpful had you demonstrated some massage techniques rather than just talk about them. 🫤
Hi Amoreena, thank you for your feedback. I apologize as this video was recorded very early in my TH-cam Channel when my video editing skills were not up to scratch with the topic. As mentioned in my other reply to you I I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' and I demonstrate massage techniques on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity