Hi,
Yes, the stretching can sometimes aggarvate the skin changes caused by the radiation therapy. Suregry can also lead to stiffness and feeling of heaviness. Your condition may be related to both, the previous radiation therapy which can lead to decreased skin elasticity and blood supply and the recent surgery which can lead to scarring and stiffness. Your physiotherapy needs to be modified in view of the past history of radiation.
All the best.
Hi
The radiation therapy that you received seven years ago for the breast cancer and the therapy you are receiving now for the rotator cuff injury are two different forms of radiation. The radiation therapy given for the cancer can over a long term lead to skin changes such as decreased elasticity, pigmentation changes, decreased skin thickness, decreased blood circulation etc. These changes can affect healing and sensations. This may be the reason for your poor tolerance to the current therapy which probably includes infra red radiation, heat etc. Please consult your doctor for appropriate pain medication.
All the best
Thank you for answering my question. However, You mention the radiation I just received in the Therapy I had after surgery---------My 16 sessions of therapy after the shoulder surgery was just stretching exercises to regain mobility--no radiation involved!
Would all the stretching involved aggavate my arm causing the burning, heavy feeling? Thanks!