Shoulder Pain after Treatment for Breast Cancer

 Shoulder pain and discomfort are common side effects of breast cancer surgery and treatment that can persist for years. I have finally began to experience this and am working hard to avoid this from being debilitating to me and my profession.

Key Takeaways from a great website (PT author):

• You don't have to accept shoulder pain after breast cancer as your new normal.
• Developing a consistent exercise routine can help you alleviate shoulder pain and improve your range of motion.

The Causes of Shoulder Pain After Breast Cancer Treatment

 Shoulder pain after breast cancer treatment can result from various factors associated with breast cancer surgery and other breast cancer procedures. Common causes include:

• Lymph Node Removal: Breast cancer procedures that involve the removal of lymph nodes, such as axillary lymph node dissection, can impact the surrounding tissues and contribute to shoulder pain.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy to treat cancer cells can cause changes in the tissues, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort in the shoulder area.
• Surgical Scars: The presence of surgical scars, especially in procedures like mastectomy, can contribute to pain and discomfort in the shoulder region.
• Nerve Damage: Surgical procedures may result in nerve damage, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder and surrounding areas.
• Muscle and Tissue Trauma: The trauma associated with breast cancer surgery and the disruption of normal tissue structures can contribute to muscle soreness and pain.
• Postoperative Immobility: The period of postoperative immobility and restricted movement during recovery can lead to stiffness and pain in the shoulder. 

 It's important to note that the causes of shoulder pain after breast cancer treatment often overlap, and breast cancer patients may experience a combination of these factors.

 Many people will need (and should) see a physical and/or occupational therapist to recover from this debilitating symptom, but the author of the website above recommends the following exercises to decrease shoulder pain post-treatment for breast cancer:

• Pectoralis Stretch
  
• Pectoralis Stretch on your side (you can do this lying on your side or in standing)
• Latissimus Dorsi Stretch

  
• Scapular Squeeze
• Scapular Wall Slide

  
• Ceiling Punches (for your serratus anterior)

  

  
  
• Modified Push Ups

  

  
  
   For stretches, the goal is to hold up to 15 seconds and repeat three to five times. For exercises, the goal is to work up to 15 repetitions and peering three times.