Impaired Range of Motion
Patients who have undergone surgery or radiation as a result of breast cancer may notice a loss in ability to move their arm, neck or upper trunk. This inability to move through the entire range of motion may be due to pain, cording, scar tissue, swelling, connective tissue restrictions, or tight and weak muscles.
This can result in impaired function such as an inability to reach up to high cabinets in the kitchen or difficulty with blow-drying your hair. Or, it may be disabling as in the case of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) where it can be challenging just to find a comfortable position to sleep.
In some cases, after surgery, it is necessary to position the arm away from the body to undergo radiation. Radiation typically begins approximately a month or two after surgery, leaving a short period of time for the patient to gain the necessary range of motion for pain free positioning of the arm.
The therapists at the Breast Health and Rehabilitation Center understand the challenges in mobility associated with breast cancer and adjuvant treatments. They can fully evaluate your mobility and help you gain range of motion in order to decrease your pain and improve your ability to perform day-to-day tasks.
Disclaimer: The Breast Health and Rehabilitation Center seeks to educate the community on musculoskeletal causes of pain and dysfunction as a result of breast cancer. Specific medical advice and/or answers to your personal health questions will require a full examination by one of our physical therapists. This website is not intended to be a substitute for a medical evaluation, but rather as an educational resource.