Tightness and Pain after Radiation Therapy - Recovery Explanation by an Oncology Physical Therapist

Pain and Tightness after Radiation Therapy are common. The term used in the medical world is Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome. In this video, I will explain what this tightness and pain are and how we, as oncology physical therapists, treat and help get rid of these side effects through cancer rehabilitation for a full recovery.

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞s?

Radiation Therapy Playlist:

Breast Cancer Exercises: Top 8 Stretches After Surgery or Radiation:

*these options have the highest rating, but not what I showed in the video, which are:

Disclosure: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support!

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//𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:

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References:
Kaidar‐Person, O, Marks, LB, Jones, EL. Pentoxifylline and vitamin E for treatment or prevention of radiation‐induced fibrosis in patients with breast cancer. Breast J. 2018; 24: 816– 819.

Magnusson M. et al. Pentoxifylline and vitamin E treatment for prevention of radiation-induced side-effects in women with breast cancer: A phase two, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial (Ptx-5), European Journal of Cancer, Volume 45, Issue 14,2009, Pages 2488-2495

Wang, F, Li, X, Wang, X, Jiang, X. Efficacy of topical silicone gel in scar management: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials. Int Wound J. 2020; 17: 765– 773

Jacobson G et al. andomized Trial of Pentoxifylline and Vitamin E vs Standard Follow-up After Breast Irradiation to Prevent Breast Fibrosis, Evaluated by Tissue Compliance Meter,
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Volume 85, Issue 3, 2013, Pages 604-608

DISCLAIMER
THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO DOES NOT REPLACE THE CARE OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. THIS VIDEO CONTENT IS IN NO WAY TO BE CONSTRUED OR SUBSTITUTED AS PHYSICAL THERAPY OR ANY OTHER TYPE MEDICAL ADVICE, BUT IS FOR GENERAL EDUCATION aND DEMONSTRATION ONLY. THESE MOVES MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION, SO GET APPROVAL AND GUIDANCE FROM YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE BEGINNING. PERFORM AT YOUR OWN RISK. DON'T USE THIS CONTENT TO SELF-DIAGNOSE OR SELF-TREAT ANY HEALTH, MEDICAL, OR PHYSICAL CONDITION. YOU AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY CANCER REHAB PT LLC FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES INJURIES, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS THAT ARISE FROM YOUR USE OR MISUSE OF THIS CONTENT.ALL CONTENT OR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, BLOG, OR EMAIL SERIES AND CANCER REHAB PT LLC's COMMENTS ARE EXPRESSIONS OF OPINION ONLY.

[trevor]

I did 4 rounds of radiation last year, a not one single doctor warned me of this side effect. Thanks for the info.

[LisaPilkington-xe]

Thank you so much for your helpful videos Kelly. I had to research why I was having extreme pain in my shoulder and arm starting 4 weeks after 5 weeks of radiation treatment. When I ask my radiologist about the pain and if it could be radiation induced fibrosis, the nurses response was "we didn't treat your shoulder"! So very frustrating!! I live in Houston, Tx and there is zero after cancer care...(this is my second round of breast cancer). I am so grateful for your information...now I don't feel like I'm totally crazy!

[AngelRHart]

Great video, wish I had seen this before my 35 rad treatments. I am now dealing with fibrosis and stage 2 lymphedema. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you so much for doing them.

[beckyverarde]

I’ve gone through 30 radiation treatment for pcALCL & am 6 mths out. I’m having a lot of various problems that the physical therapist didn’t cover or address. Thank you so much you are an answer to prayer!!

[nnabugozzy]

Wow, I really thank you for this video, now I understand what’s happening to me. No one explained this part to me and I’ve been wondering why I have so much pain in my axilla and I feel a thickening all around where the lumpectomy was done. I was so scared and praying. Information is power indeed, thanks a lot.

[bonniebabird]

Thank you for explaining these affects. Medical staff give you all sorts of 'hand outs' and patients are left with lots of paper but no one totalk to, ask questions.
Like everything in medicine now you must figure it out for yourself.

[katiedert]

Also, my plastic surgeon recommended everything in this video, not just for fibrosis but for capsular contraction (tightening of the skin). She's a big fan of plain ol' coconut oil (applied topically), too. Having radiation with an implant (an expander), rather than DIEP/flap, my skin is REAL TIGHT. I take natural vit e caps and pentoxifylline everyday and apply coconut oil or vit e oil every morning. (Applying oil while your skin is still wet after bathing makes it way easier to apply and helps lock in more moisture, too).

[pg]

I've recently had radiotherapy and I have to say the team at Royal Derby hospital (uk) were really thorough in covering potential side effects, after my final session including looking after my mental health, and recovery in terms of getting back to physical fitness. They have called me on the phone to check on my progress too. But it's important that you ask questions. They are not mind readers and we are all individuals.

[douglasbaer]

I completed my radiation therapy for throat and neck therapy six months ago. Please make the exercise video for these areas. Thanks for your videos.

[wem-cf]

Dear Kelly, do you have video for post surgery patients to educate us about how surgery scars heal? I think doctors surgeons and practitioners hardly or don’t even speak about adhesions or fibrotic tissue after surgery and how to avoid and treat them. If not and if it’s within what you do, it’s a topic/video you can consider making. Thank you for all your great videos. 💖

[lisagooddy]

I'm based in the UK and have been searching for help and answers. I had radiotherapy and chemo for head and neck cancer almost 3 years ago. I took part in a proton beam trial to see if it would save my salivary glands (which didn't work unfortunately). I've been getting lots of nerve issues in my neck and shoulder on the treatment side. It feels very tight too. Ive been put on medication and referred to the pain clinic, but the medication makes me feel very tired. I was wondering if physiotherapy might help at all. I do move my neck and do the exercises but the feelings I'm getting are newer sensations. So glad you see I'm not alone x ❤️

[kimshone]

I have been using the dry brushing, or the massage to help with headaches and it really helps. I've got 2 of my daughters doing it too!!! Thx for all you do😇

[davidlilienthal]

Thank you for this. Radiation on my femur three years in a row. Last one was a big blast and 3 months later subtle lymphedema showed up. the bone cancer caused by thyroid cancer metastasis. Constant pain and then my knee bending was getting less and less. after 8 months of this and a recent CT scan showing cancer in that area under control we have arrived at RFT. I have a flexitouch and I will now get some vitamin E . I will also start using a facia blaster lightly on my skin. You videos are so well done and I'm so happy I found you to clearly explain what I have going on. Surprisingly Doctors are no so in-tune or knowledgable about RFS syndrome.

[lisadiaz]

the best information that i have received yet. even better than i got from radiation therapist. thank you so much. i started taking alone the vitamin E and i am waiting for the go ahead for the pentoxifylline which is also a form of vitamin E. but just taking the 400 IU so far it has been helpful in the tightness along with excercise. thank you once again so much. curious

[AJ-zzqm]

Could you please show stretching exercises for the pelvic region?

[dawnparker]

I had 28days of radiation for breast cancer. I had my implant in during this time. I’m finding my implant is not softening up much and my skin has been tight. Was never told abt what to use afterwards. Thank you so much.

[joannefonceca]

I had it for 3 months 5 days a week+ chemo 30 days later esophagus surgery at the junction.I asked for physical therapy 12 weeks after surgery because it is very stuff.I didn't know about this from radiation I thought it was surgery only.Good to know.Thank you

[KS-ophb]

On average ( I know it is different for everyone) when is it safe to do myafascia release. I did it after my double mastectomy and it is game changer. I highly recommend this technique

[rafaelvarona]

Hi Kelly. Great video. I am about a year out from completing radiation therapy for neck cancer. I am dealing with radiation fibrosis... tightness in my neck muscles and even catching/locking of come cervical vertebrae. Unfortunately, here where I live there seems to be no oncology PT practitioners. In this video you mentioned that you may be making a video which demonstrates the particular massage that you recommend for radiation fibrosis. I perused you entire collection of videos on your channel and did not find said video. Would you be so kind as to make one, please? That would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[thamimqota]

Thank you for this very informative video. Would you be kind enough to do one for viginal fibrosis and its treatment.