How to Resolve Cording After Breast Cancer
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- In this video I teach you about cording - otherwise known as Axillary Web Syndrome - a common side effect of Breast Cancer surgery, specifically Axillary Node Clearance or Sentinel Node Biopsy. Cording predominantly occurs due to the surgery taking place in the armpit lymph nodes, rather than the surgery performed on the breast or chest wall.
I explain how cording presents - what it looks like but importantly, what it feels like. Cording can present differently between people. Cording usually presents as a thick cord-like structure, often in the armpit and can restrict your shoulder range of movement and cause pain. However, you don't always have to 'see' cording. You may only 'feel' cording.
Incredibly the medical literature has not defined what cording actually is. However, it is my firm belief that cording is tight nerve tissue. The reason I believe this - because every time I successfully resolve cording it is done using neural mobilisation stretches.
Neural mobilisation stretching is a stretch that specifically biases a nerve, rather than just soft tissue or muscle in general. This video covers the basic version of neural mobilisation stretching to resolve cording. In separate videos I cover advanced stretches for cording, when the basic level nerve stretch does not completely resolve the problem.
Ever wondered if cording makes noises? Yes! Cording can make popping or snapping sounds. I explain why this happens and why you don't need to be concerned if you hear your cording making noises while you are moving or doing exercises.
If you have any questions specifically about cording then I welcome you to leave a comment in the section below the video. I would love to help answer your questions on this topic.
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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Thank you so much. I started this cording and didn't know what was happening. Until I saw yr video
YES! Extend the wrist! It makes a huge difference!
Thank you for your helpful videos!
Such good info. Thanks Jen.
Thanks for your lovely feedback Judith! Let me know what other topics around breast cancer you would like to hear about. Jen x
Thank you thank you Jen.
Thank you so much - I found this really clear and helpful 😊
My pleasure Janet! 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
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you . Beautifully explained and extremely helpful.
Thankyou so much Geetha! Appreciate your lovely feedback. Thanks for watching! Jen x
Thank you Jen, very blessed to have found your videos, they are reassuring and to the point and helpful🌷
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Lisa! I seriously appreciate it! Send me any topics you want covered. Jen x
Thank you! This was very helpful.
Thank you Donna! So glad this video was beneficial for you! Jen :)
Thanks so much for making your content so helpful and accessible, and for sharing it. You’ve made a huge difference with your brilliant videos.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! I really appreciate it. 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
I am lucky to find your channel , thank you i started it yesterday , already i feel relieved 🙏
That is fantastic to hear! Thankyou for your lovely comments. Jen x
Jen quickly resolved my cording issue after surgery. Thank you heaps Jen.
Thanks Jenny! It is amazing how common cording is and often how easy it is to resolve. Not in every case but most of the time a quick recovery with this exercise.
Very informative, thanks ❤
Thank you for your positive feedback Pamela. 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 💕 really appreciate your help and love these exercises! ❤️🎉
Thank you Julia! 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
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you very much that’s awesome 💕🎉
Thnx for this now I know what I'm feeling will start the exercises n see how it goes
Hi Jen,
Thankyou. I have just been doing the stretches I was given after surgery and will try the exercise you describe
Hi again Narelle - hoping these exercises have been helpful for you! Jen
So helpful. Thank you!🙏
Thank you Victoria! Appreciate your positive feedback! Sorry for my delayed reply. Jen x
thank you , you have been most helpful .
Thank you Ann! 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 answer questions and provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
excellent instruction! i look forward to trying - & hopefully resolving my cording… thank you!
Thank you for the lovely feedback! 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
Thank you!
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
This is excellent , thank you . I had never heard of cording before I was given post op physio advice . My mum had breast cancer surgery in 2003 and it wasn’t mentioned then .
Hi Hannah! Thanks 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 speaking about Cording on this platform again soon. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you so much for making this video! I’m a breast cancer survivor with cording and I have been struggling to get into a physical therapist. Going to try this!
Hi Gretchen! Let me know how you go with this stretch. Next week's video is on How To Treat Stubborn Cording, so don't worry if this basic stretch doesn't completely resolve the cording. Keep me posted! x
Thank you for this video! I knew that I would need a double mastectomy with lymph node removal from both armpits and as I researched this in advance, I learned a lot about lymphedema and other side effects from the surgery and treatment! However, I never even heard of cording and I was not prepared. I have cording bigtime, and I am only 3 weeks out of surgery. So happy I found you! I can't wait to watch all of your videos! 💝
Thank you for your lovely feedback Elinor! 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 so very much.
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
Great information. The number of supermarket aisles packed with unnecessary processed food these days is more than overwhelming to say the least. Thank you Jen and Andrew.
Our pleasure Jenny! Thanks for watching and commenting. Definitely agree about the processed foods! Jen x
Thank you! I'm not able to get in to Physical Therapy for nearly 3 weeks, and wanted to start working on exercises to help the cording now.
Hi! So sorry for my very slow reply. Great to hear you were able to start working on the cording while you were waiting. There seems to be a lot of Breast cancer patients around the world waiting for access to Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy. You must be getting close to your appointment now, so I hope everything progresses well! Jen
Thank you
Hi, Thank you for your positive 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
Currently really suffering with cording atm post mastectomy. Really relieved I've found this and really hoping it helps!
Thanks Tamara! These exercises should definitely help but there are a few other videos I've done on cording if you don't progress. 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 so much for this informative video. I've been struggling with cording for 5 months after mastectomy. I had 5 limph nodes removed. I'm also suffering trigger finger on my thumb. I've read that it was a side effect of estrogen blocker in currently taking. Tamoxifen. Are there any videos you might have for that as well? I just joined your Facebook book group. You're a blessing to all of us women going through breast cancer post surgery side effects.
Thank you so much. I have been suffering from this cording all the way down my arm and didn't know what it was until I called my surgeon's nurse to day and she mentioned my problem was probably "cording". I don't know why they don't mention this as a possible side effect before your surgery. I knew I was going to have a problem when I start my radiation if I couldn't figure out what was going on. I did my first series of stretches as you were showing. You have another subscriber! Thank you so much!
Hi Darceean, thank you so much for your positive feedback! So pleased the stretches are working for you. Jen :)
Hi Jen..
Thank you so much for all the great information. I had 16 lymph nodes removed three weeks ago and I could see when I stretched out my are the indentation in my arm, not knowing what it was I thought it was a muscle but so glad to understand what’s happening. My arm is numb as you described in another video. So it relieved my mind to know that it is normal. My doctor didn’t explain any of these as normal results from having my lymph nodes removed. I will continue to follow you and exercise my arm until I full range movements with out pain.
Hi Debbie! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. I'm so glad the videos are 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. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thanks so much, I had surgery 5 weeks ago and now have cording so I will try these exercises and see if they help - my Breast Care nurse referred me to your channel, thanks xxx
Thanks Marcelle! Appreciate the feedback! 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
Hello Thrivers! I really hope you enjoy this video on resolving cording after breast cancer treatment. Please feel free to leave a question or comment on cording in the section below. Cording is so common but so often very treatable. Jen x
Yes! And this exercise is the best!!! Did wonders for me, really FAST!
@@shicruisin7004 Good to hear! Jen :)
Hi Jen, new to your channel and finding it really helpful so far. I am 2 weeks post bilateral mastectomy and full axillary clearance. I have the pain associated with cording but nothing visible. I am overweight so was wondering if having fattier arms may limit the visible presentation of cording? Or perhaps I have just caught it early? Your thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks so much for this informative video.I do hav some amount of cording in d upper arm. Will surely include today's exercise. Thanks again
Hi Ravinder, I hope the exercises were 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. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
hi, I am 2 week post partial mastectomy and lymphnode removal and have cording but have a 2 week wait to see a physio. I just tried this stretch and feel some relief, thank you!
That is absolutely fantastic to hear Jody! Keep going with this stretch and you can even try massaging where any areas of tension are. Keep me posted! x
Hello! Thank you for this video! After I got Miradry I developed cording. I was told to stretch but never showed how exactly. So I would sleep on my belly with my arms strength out under my pillow. This helped me a lot but didn’t fully resolve the cording. I’m so glade I found your channel. Thank you 🙏
So glad the video was helpful for your Alex! Really appreciate your comment! Jen x
I haven't watched all yours yet,but you have explained things so clear! Thank you! Do you have anything on reoccurring seromas after breast surgery? Thanks 😊
Hi Lisa! So pleased you enjoyed the video. I do have a video on seromas. I will post the link in a separate reply. 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
czcams.com/video/oYaXbavWOjE/video.html
I found you watching your video on MLD, that it can be done in a simpler way. I was.doing the slow take forever way. I do have a pump. Now I use the pump & I do your way twice a day. I started watching this one because I didn't know what cording was. From the begining I started my hands climbing in the shower, my dr was always pleased I could get my hands in the air. Thank you..your video on MLD has helped relieve the stress I felt doing so much & not getting anywhere. I now don't feel so overwhelmed in trying to treat this daily. I'm currently working on my bad eating habits, I know if I lose weight my arm becomes almost normal.
Thanks for your feedback Sheila! Awesome that the videos have been helpful for you! Weight loss has a really positive effect on Lymphoedema. I must do a video on weight loss and Lymphoedema. The more fatty tissue the higher their risk of lymphoedema, or the worse the lymphoedema can be if it already exists. Jen x
Thank you very much for providing all these useful information. I did a double mastectomy two weeks ago and I woke up with a tightness and heavy feeling through my chest and around my stitches from left armpit to the right one. It is very similar to what you described, like there is a cord going through my chest. At first I thought it is because of the bandages, but it didn't go away with removing them. Then I thought maybe it is because of my drains. I removed those today and it didn't get better. Now I think it is this, the cord feeling.
Thanks for your positive feedback Somaieh! 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, including cording. 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 for this video! I am x 1.5 week post axillary clearance and struggling to get through to a physio team. I’m not sure if I have cording or not but I have such limited range of motion so I will practise these exercises now and hopefully prevent cording! Thank you
Hi Georgie! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. 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 answer questions and provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
What I had was called "axillary web syndrome," which I didn't think was an appropriate name. Your " cording" makes a whole lot more sense. What I did for mine (taught to me by my PT) was to ask a friend to put tension on one end while I pulled on the other & I'd hear/feel a "pop" and the cord would release. The tightness was quite uncomfortable. However, it just eventually went away.
Hi CatMom, thank you for your feedback and so great to hear your cording has resolved. 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. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
I had slight cording after double mastectomy with 2 axillary nodes removed, worked it out with walking fingers up the wall and in 4 months it subsided. But 3 months later developed a cyst by the incision and had nerve pain under the arm pit that resulted in cording in the entire arm. Breast dr diagnosed it last week. I am miserable. They did aspirate the cyst, but I can't get in for physical therapy for 6 weeks!!!! I will work on doing this exercise and see how I do. Thank you for making these videos I have subscribed to your channel.
Hi Denise! Thank you for your comments and for subscribing to my channel. Hang in there - cording and cysts can definitely resolve, even it they take a few months, persisting with treatment pays off. Keep working on the nerve stretches and massage. Jen x
I am so grateful for this - last January I had my first mastectomy and ALNC and I had horrible cording and very little interest from my GP or breast surgeon (I live in France and things are a little different here). I was able to resolve the cording myself with this video. I had my second mastectomy + ALNC 3 weeks ago and this time the cording stretches all the way down to my groin and there are 4 distinct cords. I'm a bit on the skinny side at the moment so they stick out like a sore thumb. I had to have a second emergency visit to theatre as I developed an arterial bleed 2 hours after the initial surgery and I wonder if the additional trauma has contributed to worse cord development this time. If you or anyone reading this has any suggestion for the best stretches to treat these abdominal wall cords I would be so grateful. Huge thank you, again, Jen you can't imagine how much you have helped me!
Hello Liz! It warms my heart to read your comments about you resolving the cording with my video. It is such a shame Medical Professionals haven't pointed you in the direction of a Physio to help you get this issue sorted. 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 with any ongoing, stubborn cording. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hi Jen, i had my surgery 6 months ago and ive begun to feel stiffness recently, and i do feel those cords, is it normal? I hope im able to get rid of them with the massage and exercises done at home.. Thanks for your videos! So informative
These videos are brilliant! I wonder if my cording has been left to long, though:
I had a left-sided mastectomy and lymph gland removal 6½ years ago. I did the arm exercises on the piece of paper provided, and still do, but they were different from yours and involve having elbows bent, except when pressing the arm up vertically against a wall, which was a separate exercise.
The cording near my wrist popped audibly a few weeks after the operation, and suddenly my lower arm was wonderfully loose. However, the cords in my armpit and down my side to my (still sore) chest wall are still there, even though I dangled from banisters, as recommended by a male physio I saw who had never heard of cording (I had to print out what info I could find online for him). I live in a rural area in the UK and the NHS is overstretched. Lymphoedema massage is now available (and a friend has qualified to do this) but I do not have lymphoedema, thank goodness There is no specialist cording help that I am aware of, so I am delighted to have been introduced to your videos.
PS Sometimes (not always) I get a severe pull in my left shoulderblade like a cramp, or almost like a potential dislocation, if I try to sleep with my left arm raised. Raising my arm for radiotherapy back in 2015 was painful, but had to be done. I don't think the radiographers realised what it felt like straight after each experience of keeping my arm held up in that cold room.... However, it seemed fine after going through chemotherapy first! I go to Pilates once a week, and play tennis, so can live with the cording. I have suffered from stiffness in the shoulder and back, though.
Is 6½-year-old cording likely to be permanent?
Hi Rowena! Thank you for your lovely feedback. You should still be able to make improvements with cording 6.5 years later. Whereabouts are you located in the UK? I can ask my UK Physiotherapist Angela Jones who specializes in Breast Cancer and see if we can link you in with someone. Jen x
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 answer your questions and provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hi Jen, I just found your videos. They are very informative. I had cording in my arm which is resolved but my hand near my thumb there is still cording. One spot only. Do you have a way to rid that? Any help would be greatly appreciated. ❤
Thank you SO MUCH! 💖💖 Severe cording through left forearm from toxic AC chemo has been debilitating for about 6 months. Could NOT get answers or relief. Couldn't even straighten my left arm to do the stretches post dmx .. until this video. It still hurts to straighten my forearm but I can straighten my arm! And it's easing! I have some relief, finally. Still working on the one under arm down through to bottom of ribcage.
One question - have been just holding arms straight out from shoulder to front, does it make a difference raising the arm or going out to the side?
Cheers and many thanks xoxoxoxox
Hi Marg! So sorry for my delayed reply. So stoked to hear you are getting some relief finally! You can try raising the arm forwards OR sideways but you'll probably find one direction is a stronger nerve stretch than the other. Whatever you can tolerate in the stretch is what you should aim for.
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 including treatment demonstrations. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
You say we can do cording massage ourselves; but I haven’t found a video of yours that actually demonstrates the massage technique. You talk about lotion to use and length of time to do it;; but no instruction for the massage. Appreciate more instruction. Thank you
Hi Kelli, so sorry for my delayed reply. I apologise for the lack of demonstration in this video. I recorded this video very early in my CZcams days and my editing skills were not up to speed with the topic. 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
Is there a different stretch/movement of cording is alongside and under the breast? The one you demonstrate here seems great for someone with arm issues but doesn’t seem to reach the tension in cording by/under the breast itself. Thank you so much for making these videos.
Hi, yes I agree - cording that runs beside / across and / or under the breast is much harder to stretch. I have found with some patients with breast cording that you need to involve the opposite arm / opposite leg i.e. create a "diagonal" stretch across the body. If you would like a Telehealth appointment with me to assist with stretching positions but also massage technique for breast cording please email me enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com.au
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
Thanks for your feedback. I watched your bursitis video but I didn’t explain things very well. I have a birth defect in my collar bones that is causing bursitis which is currently not giving me much trouble. They will not inject cortisone due to my numerous allergies. I have been told not to lift anything heavy and to limit lifting my arm above my head. I have been doing your stretch and wave but am concerned about my arm being above my head so often, unfortunately while this exercise appears to have halted the cording it hasn’t reversed it. Is there a way for me to stretch and wave without going above my head. If I just go to the side I feel no tension. Thank you so much for your videos, they’re awesome.
Hi Sylvia! I am so sorry for not replying earlier. I thought I had replied but obviously not. If you're allergic to cortisone you may need to discuss debridement surgery with an orthopaedic surgeon to change the shape of the collarbones if at all possible. Can you get a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon where you are? Jen x
I have not had surgery or any lymph issues. I did have phlebitis in my arm and now immediately followed by cording once healed. Have you seen this before? I had not heard of cording prior to this, your videos are very helpful.
Same with me. I went to the Dr. today - ultrasound tomorrow to rule out anything serious. I haven't had any surgery or breast cancer, etc. I did have a swollen lymph node and as soon as it stopped swelling I noticed the cording.
@@MistyMawn so weird! I'm glad it's not serious and seems like it can be taken care of but it's very odd. I've been doing the stretches and massage she recommends for a couple days and it's already feeling a lot better
@@heatherr2778 Yes, so grateful it can be resolved with stretching. I hope yours goes away soon!
Cording is quite unique to axillary surgery / trauma. I ahven't seen phelbitis followed by cording but it makes sense that it could happen! Glad you are finding the videos helpful! Thank you for commenting! Jen x
Thank you for your video. I am trying the exercises. My cording started after chemo, firstly with thrombophlebitis and then restricted movement around the elbow which seemed like the veins had shrunk. My whole arm looks damaged and I can feel the areas of hard lines. I saw an OT at the hospital who showed me how to massage the areas and I now have a large bruise at my elbow. Have I been too harsh? My next appointment is by telephone which I’m not too happy about.
Hi Sian, if you're bruising you may be pushing too firmly. 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. We're covering Cording this morning! 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 for your videos! I'm 18 months out from lumpectomy and am tired of driving all the way to PT every time the cords come back. This is helping to assist those problems in the comfort of my own home. Your channel is a great resource for survivors.
That is so awesome to hear Alysa! What country are you in? I'm going to be launching an interactive online program for Breast Cancer very soon! Jen x
Hi great to find your channel. Question I am 2 weeks post masectomy and axillary clearance. Drain just out today still draining 100mls. Can I start these stretches this early ?
Hi Deborah! You can start the neural flossing exercises gently at this stage. Just avoid pushing into any ranges that are quite sore. Jen
The cording I have developed in my left rib cage. I also have had 2 surgeries on my left shoulder and that shoulder is again hurting and catching when I raise it over my head, with the popping/hanging extending into the clavicle. Having said all of that, is there a stretching for the rib cage cording?
Hi again.
I have read that laser therapy is also useful for cording and I have had two laser treatments mainly because I ongoing laser for issues I have with my cervical spine with great success. Could you comment on any experience you have had with the use of laser for cording? Thank you.
Hi Narelle, SO sorry for my very slow reply. I am catching up on comments finally. I personally don't use laser, but plenty of lymphoedema therapists certainly do use it for scar tissue and cording. I don't tend to find it does amazing things from what I have seen, but there may be some people out there that really benefit from it. Sorry I can't be more helpful with this question. I don't use it because I find between the neural stretching and massage I can always resolve cording, even if it takes a while. Jen
Thank you beautiful 😍
Thank you Gladys! Much appreciated! Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio 😍
My physical therapist was able to palpate my inside upper arm and it popped 3 times. It helped.
Popping is awesome for getting cording better!
Thanks for this video and the information. Unfortunately there is no such person here as a specialist BC Physio or OT so only recourse is to online help. My big question is can cording occur in the neck? For 6 months now I have long knotty runs up both sides of my neck, pain and sensation varies day to day and even during the same day. My BC is on the right but the worst pain, sensations, numbness and tingling are on the left. My left ear is numb and sometimes it feels as if the left side of my head is on fire! Neither my GP nor my Oncologist seem interested.
Hi Andrea, thanks for your feedback. Which country are you in? I may be able to link you in with a Breast Cancer Physiotherapist. Your symptoms don't sound like cording, particularly considering it is the opposite side. I would see your GP and ask for referral to a specialist - possibly a Neurologist considering the numbness. Jen
I've also 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 answer your questions and provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
I have been diagnosed with cording in the arm that receives chemotherapy, not the arm where lymph nodes were removed. Do I treat this type of cording in the same way? When I do your arm stretch, I feel tension in the arm when it is outstretched and when I bend the wrist. Thanks.
Thank you for the help I received from your video. My cording is getting much better. I am wondering why the skin over my entire chest is so sore that I can hardly stand to have clothing touching it. It feels like a bad sunburn. Does it have something to do with the nerves?
So sorry for my very slow reply Carol. To answer your question - did you have radiation to your chest wall? And if so how long ago? Once you let me know the answers to these questions I can help you further. I've just 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 including treatment demonstrations. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio No I did not have chemo or radiation. There is no rash or redness. My incisions are still numb. The soreness is around where the drains were, between the 2 incisions, and the whole chest below collarbone. I’m 5 weeks post surgery.
Hi Carol, that sounds like a post operative myalgia - essentially where your nerve tissue around the surgical area goes haywire for a few weeks as a reaction to the trauma of the surgery. Best to discuss this with your Breast Surgeon. They may suggest medications to reduce the nerve sensitivity. I hope this makes sense? Thank you for joining The Compass Community Carol! I saw you join earlier today! Jen x
How can I tell if I have lymphoma or some thing else. Excruciating pain on top of ar. Shoulder and pins and needles down arm into hand?. Thanks
Hi, Jen. I'm not sure how high to lift my arm and at what angle to my body. Does that make sense? I can't quite tell if your arm is directly in front of you, to the side of you (90 degrees) or somewhere in between. Can you advise? Many thanks.
This is a great help Ms Jen!! It's been 5 months since my operation but doing this for the first time, I already felt the improvement on my arm and armpit. I didn't even know that this is cording! Definitely subscribe to your channel. May you help more people like me. God bless you! 🙏🙏😍🇵🇭
Hi Mary, sorry for my slow reply and thanks for your lovely feedback! So glad this video was helpful for you. 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. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you for this video. I think I may have cording but on the opposite side. Is this possible? I had a mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy I January on the left side but think I have cording on the right side. I can see and feel what looks like a cord protruding out of my right armpit and when I extend my right arm I can feel and see it pulling on the inside of my upper right arm. My doctor said it’s my tendon and nothing to worry about but didn’t suggest any exercises. Should I contact my breast care nurse for advice?
Hi Mandy, I would touch base with your breast care nurse. It's possible you're generally very tight following your surgery and cording has resulted on the opposite side, but yes check in with your breast care nurse. 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
Hello,I watched your video and you mentioned if we had any questions on cording to reach out to you and I would love to either send a picture or do a face time so you can tell me if I have cording, which I believe I may have it.I cant lift my arm high at all,its has a weired crease near my armpit and definitely feels tight on my chest.
Hi, best way for us to help diagnose your cording is if you can join my 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 had surgery in August last year. A couple of weeks ago I noticed a little stiffness under my arm when stretching. I asked my physio how to stretch as I have shoulder bursitis. It isn’t working. I will try your elbow straight and wave technique. Is it normal to get cording so long after lymph node and breast cancer surgery? My radiation was completed 3 months ago.
Hi Sylvia, thanks for your comment. It is not typical for cording to present this late, but I have seen it happen. I suspect your cording has come about because of the shoulder bursitis. I would recommend you get the shoulder bursitis treated (see link below as to how I treat shoulder bursitis) so you can treat the cording properly. Bursitis will limit you from getting into positions that allow you to put effective stretch on the cording. Please message me back if you have any questions. Jen
czcams.com/video/AYuYcYKa5RY/video.html
Hi I am experiencing cording since my mastectomy. It travels through my chest wall , ribs , armpits and elbow. I don't have PT who specialise in breast cancer related issues so I'm following whatever us available on CZcams can you please share more videos for working on chest and ribs cording
Hi Farah, 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. I will cover a session on Cording through the Breast and Ribs in a few weeks. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you from the UK. I have osteoarthritis so flexing my wrist and flattening my hand isn’t easy?? I’m just about managing it. Any suggestions?
Hi Chris! Thanks for you comment. This is a great question. Firstly if you try this exercise, just take your fingers and wrist into the most maximum position you can that is tolerable. The other thing you can do (which reminds me I must make a video on this topic!) is to MASSAGE the cords wherever they may be (e.g. armpit, elbow, bicep area etc). If you try this and it doesn't resolve the cording can you please message me again and we might line up a video consult. I have more tricks up my sleeve for this issue! Jen x
Oh YES PLEASE do show us how to massage I’m sure that would ease the tension a little
@@chriswalton1523 Hi Chris! Sorry for my slow reply. If you would like to do a video consultation please email me at enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com and I can arrange a date that suits you.
Can cording occur only in breast with a shooting pain on site of lumpectomy as well exactly at the same point on back side
Hi Sonal! So sorry for my delayed reply - I have been away on holidays for a week. Cording can definitely occur in the breast - next week's video is on how to perform massage for cording and you can apply that technique to the breast. However, if you're experiencing a shooting pain around the site of the lumpectomy that sounds more like scar tissue pain. Watch my video on how to reduce scar pain and that may be a better way to treat your symptoms: czcams.com/video/xL8Hm6hjuwc/video.html
But let me know if this doesn't help! Jen x
Is it possible to get Cording 4 years after Mastectomy? This sounds exactly like what I am feeling. I don’t see a Cord but I feel it all the way to my wrist. My armpit is numb. The inside of my upper arm is tingling along the Cord line. Thank you for your videos!
Hi Rita, thanks for your question. It is possible, but not common, for people to get delayed cording. Cording comes about because of tension in the soft tissues and scar tissue from surgery. I'm assuming your armpit has been numb since your surgery? Can you think of any changes in recent activity that may have caused tension? E.g. starting a new job, starting new exercise? Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio But I have cording - 3 weeks in. have never had surgery or breast cancer.
Hi what about the other extensive excerises if this basic exercises did not work ?
Hi Dina, so sorry for my slow reply. Have you checked out my other videos on cording? If the basic version doesn't resolve it, watch my video on how to resolve stubborn cording. Jen
What do you do if you have cording and lymphedema? What would cause that?
I am going to make a video very soon on what to do when you have cording and lymphoedema together. Essentially you have to address both but they can contribute to each other. Jen
I have cording but I don’t have breast cancer that I’m aware of and I haven’t had any type of surgery. I’m 48 years old and have been getting yearly mammograms since turning 40. Should I be worried? My next mammogram for this year is May 3.
Hi Marie, cording can happen without Breast Cancer being present. Most of the time people get cording as a result of trauma to the armpit (axilla) when Lymph Nodes are removed. If you're not sure as to why you have cording speak with your Doctor, and see if you can be referred to a Physiotherapist for further assessment. Let me know how you go! Jen x
Thank you so much, I’ll keep you posted.
@@marielamour6856 Did you go to the Dr.? I am one of the few that has cording without any surgery. I went to the Dr. today and have an ultrasound tomorrow. I had a swollen lymph node, after the swelling went down I noticed the cording.
How many times per day should one do the 30 reps? I have cording from sentinel node biopsy done for malignant melanoma on my wrist. I can feel the cord in my armpit, but it also runs down my arm under the skin graft scar.
Hi, I usually recommend doing 30 reps, twice daily. You can do more if you're not pulling up sore after doing the exercise. Jen
What kind of massage can we do for cording in addition to these stretches?
Hi Bethany! Thanks so much for your question. You can add massage the line of the cord, firm massage (without causing severe pain) is safe and effective. Use a water based moisturizer whilst performing the massage. If you can get to a Physio who is experienced in treating cording to show you how to perform the massage that would be ideal. Particularly if other areas around the cord are tight and can also be released, this will help the overall mobility of the cord. Let me know if any of that doesn't make sense.
Hi Bethany! Just letting you know that next week's video will be explaining how to do massage for cording. Jen x
Hi Bethany! Just letting you know that next week's video will be explaining how to do massage for cording. Jen x
I can see the cording in my underarm but only feel the tightness when my arm is bent like the radiation position … so keeping my elbow stretched for the wrist exercises doesn’t feel like anything
Thank you for making all these videos, really appreciated. I am 6 months after mastectomy, and developed cording. I don't want to go to hospital at the moment because of the covid 19, therefore have to suffer the discomfort. I wonder do you have any patients suffer the back muscle pain because of the cording problem? Mainly under shoulder blade area?
Absolutely - it is very common for people to get back pain after Breast Cancer. Particularly around the shoulder blade area. Try putting a tennis ball between your back and a wall and doing gentle massage over the tight areas. Another option is always seeing a Physiotherapist if you have one you can access locally. Let me know if you can't get rid of that pain and I can help further. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you Jen, I will try the tennis ball first. I just wonder is it the cording caused the back pain?
@@jc8389 Cording could directly cause back pain but it is the TENSION from the cording that will be influencing your back. In the same way, I often see tight mastectomy scars contributing to cording. It is often "accumulated" tension that is causing a lot of problems in one area Does that makes sense?
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Yes, it does make sense. Jen, you are spot on! I would say that I have a 'neat mastectomy' but really tight. I even have 3 very fine cording on my chest wall, if I hold the tension on my neck, I can even see few thin 'cording' cross above my collarbone. But they don't cause any discomfort, only the back bother me. Its not sharp pain, its more numb and soreness most of the time. I wonder how long this will last? And also in order to get rid of this 'tension', I take arm stretching exercise is the only way, right? Once again, thank you so much for making these videos, you don't know how much we appreciate this kind of information. Xxx
@@jc8389 The back pain will only last as long as it is left untreated. See if you can get to a Physiotherapist or even a Massage Therapist to address the back tension, and if you feel comfortable with your Therapist see if they can massage the mastectomy scar. Tension feeds tension, so you need to address all areas of tightness to improve. xx
Hi there, I am beginning to feel some form of tingling in a section of my upper inner arm. I am currently on chemo and yet to have surgery. Do you think its cording?
Hi Shehroze, if you haven't had surgery it is not likely it is cording. I suggest discussing those symptoms with your Medical Oncologist as it may be a side effect of chemo. 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
Can cording affect movement in the thumb? Somewhat like a trigger thumb movement.
Hi, it is possible you have trigger finger rather than cording. If the joints of the thumb become 'locked' then I would seek referral to an upper limb Orthopaedic specialist for assessment. It is possible that cording can affect thumb movement but it would be rare and the way you're describing it sounds more like trigger finger. Tendon issues are common following and trigger finger is essentially a tendon issue.
Hi again Lidia, I'm doing an Education Session on tendon issues post Breast Cancer this coming Thursday 6th July if you'd like to join - 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
Hello! I had mastectomy 12/4 (past 2 week post op) and lymph node dissection. I think I have cording as I can definitely feel it under my armpit and I cannot fully extend my arm due to pain all the way down my forearm. I should stretch my arm as to how much pain I can tolerate? Its ok to do this stretches just 16 day post op? Md said I can see PT in January. Thank you!
Hi Melanie! Thanks so much for your comment. It is safe for you to start doing the neural flossing (basic version) of cording stretching at 16 days post op but you only need to do this exercise (at the moment) to tolerance. If the cording improves but becomes doesn't completely resolve and is 'stubborn' (say after 4-6 weeks), then we can move you onto the more advanced version of the stretch. Remember that cording is nerve tissue so it can be sensitive if stretched too hard too soon. Hence why the neural flossing is used as a first stretch, rather than any aggressive / sustained stretching. Let me know if this makes sense! Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio thanks! How often should I do the neural flossing/day? Appreciate your help! Can I start massaging? If so, I should massage it when the muscle has tension or when it’s relaxed? The soonest PT can see me is 1/6. It’s ok to do other stretches besides the neural flossing?
Really really appreciate your help! Happy holidays!
@@melaniepilande-santamaria9818 you can start massaging the cord as firmly as you can tolerate for up to 5mins per day. Don't do more than once daily as you can make it too sore. You can massage with the cord both relaxed and then on stretch (if you can). And yes absolutely ok to do other stretching with the neural flossing. Are you from the USA Mel?
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio it already felt better after doing the neural flossing for the first time. I can finally able to extend my arm fully. I started the stretch to what I can tolerate and I slowly extended it each time. By the end of the 30 rep, it felt so much better and now I can extend it fully. The tenderness to my forearm is gone as well. I’m so glad I watched your video as I was really worried this will be a long time problem. My ROM is so much better and I will share it to my nurse navigator so she can share to others. THANK You!
And yes I’m in USA!
@@melaniepilande-santamaria9818 Hi again Melanie - sorry for my delayed reply. Christmas got in the way of course :) I am so stoked to hear your movement and pain have improved! Well done! Thank you so much for sharing this with your Nurse Navigator - I really appreciate that! This will help millions of other women in the US access these videos. Jen x
I'm my name is Brooklyn..I had a schwanoma (nerve sheath tumor removed on Sept 19 2023 and I developed severe arm cording. How long will it take to go away??? Please help..thnx so much..
Hi Brooklyn, it depends on the treatment / exercises you are doing. Have you been attending Physiotherapy / Physical Therapy and doing nerve mobilisation exercises? Jen
Hasn’t the research shown that cording is most likely lymphatic thrombosis of the lymphatic vessels? The anatomy of lymphatic vessels run the same alignment as the cords so it’s unlikely to be nerves. They get taught with tension similar to nerves because the are connected to fatty tissues due to scarring that causes the pulling tight sensation.
Thanks for your comment. Lymphatic thrombosis is a very rare condition involving lymphatic blockage of the vessels. Cording is particularly common and responds particularly well to neural stretching. The size of the cording examples I see would most likely be too big to represent blocked lymphatic vessels. Cording is also associated with neurological symptoms which is uncommon with the lymphatic system. Jen
i have a question: does cording occur from over stretching? i have the tendency to do so. this morning, when i am doing my morning massage, i feel the cording on my chest wall below where my breast (boob) was before. i would rather listen to you and not go to a doctor again. thank you.
It would be unlikely that cording would come from overstretching. Cording is a tension problem not a hypermobility problem. Have you tried the neural stretching? and if so did it help? Jen
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you so much. I will look into this. I know it's not gonna be an overnight cure. I will let you know my progress. Thanks, again.
Hello i felt cording in my arm near elbow and in breast towards abdomen after lumpectomy. I m worried for it
Can cording reoccur two years after surgery/RT? I dealt w/ cording after my surgery in 12/20. Yesterday, I started feeling that "ping" again. Caught me off guard.
Hi Deb, yes cording can represent some time after active treatment has finished. Typically it is because tissue tension has increased in that area. 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 see and feel what seems like 8:35 cording extending distal from the bottom of my post-mastectomy breast down. Is that possible?
Just found out I had according today
Hi Karen, thanks for your comment and sorry for my slow reply. I hope your cording is improving from the video exercises. 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'm 2 weeks out DMX and 20 lymph nodes removed and feels very painful cord feeling under arm to elbow
Hi Lisa, your symptoms albeit unpleasant are very common following a DMX and lymph node removal. 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
Is it possible to do too many sets of this exercise? It does give me temporary relief….. I’m 3 weeks post op, can’t see any cords, but my worst pain since the surgery has been the underarm of my non-cancer side. So no lymph nodes were taken from the side with the worse pain. Does this sound like cording? There is a slight pucker near the underarm area that is so sore. The Dr says it’s nerve pain.
Hi Carolyn, I am so sorry for my delayed reply. I am finally catching up on people's comments. Has your medical team referred you for further investigation of the non-cancerous underarm? I would not assume this is cording if you have not had lymph nodes removed from that side. If you HAVE had even a sentinel node removed from the non-cancerous side it is possibly cording. Let me know the answer to my question above then we can go from there. Jen
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio I just went to an OT yesterday. It took 4 weeks to get an appt! He thinks there may be cording on the non cancer side. I had a DMX but no lymph nodes were taken from that side. After I left his office, the non cancer side was more painful than the cancer side. It seems so weird that this has been the case all along. Any insight would be most appreciated!
@@carolyn3441 I would go to your doctor or medical team and discuss these symptoms with them. You may need investigation into the non-cancerous side just to make sure there isn't anything going on, on that side. If you have already been recently cleared for any cancer on the other side then please let me know and we can keep brainstorming. Jen
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio The mastectomy pathology report for that side says no atypia or carcinoma identified. Proliferative fibrocystic changes including complex sclerosing lesion (radial scar) with ductal hyperplasia and associated microcalcifications.
@@carolyn3441 ok that is good the non-cancerous side has been investigated. That sounds like the mastectomy scar (on the non-cancerous side) is potentially causing pain that is leading into the armpit. Did the OT treat the Left mastectomy scar and you're thinking that's what made your pain worse? Jen
Can cording happen after 8 weeks of surgery ? Can it happen Only in arm area not in armpit or elbow ? Thank u
Cording can happen 8 weeks post surgery. Sometimes cording appears or reappears due to a build up of tension, such as after radiation or during chemotherapy. And yes, it can occur only in the armpit. 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
What if you can't fully extend your arm at all without pain?
Hi Rachel, no problem if you can't extend your arm completely. Just extend it as far as you can tolerate and then wave at the wrist. You'll still be flossing the nerve. 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 mega pain when I try to stretch my arm completely, but I do it as slowly as possible till its straight. It is too painful to lift it higher than shoulder height. I get it up to almost shoulder height, then its excruciatingly painful & I have to stop. Is this chording? I don't see any chords. I had a single (left side) mastectomy 4 weeks ago. My 1st therapist appointment is in 2 weeks (15 Feb) Please help??? I can't bear the pain when I try to fix this problem! 😭😭😭
Might be best we do a video consult so I can diagnose this properly. What country are you in? Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Hi Jen! Oh my gosh! This was a year ago! Well! I DID begin to see massive cording a little while after I wrote this! It was the weirdest most painful thing ever!! I was astounded to see actual cords in my arm! Well, I continued to do your exercise, right thru the pain, and I was SHOCKED to experience that that bad, terribly painful cording, started disappearing SO FAST!!! with this exercise! Oh my goodness, I was cord-free AND pain-free within about 3 weeks!!!! Whaaaaaat??? I would never have believed that that was possible, had I not had that myself! From the level of movement I could manage then, coupled with the excruciating pain along with it, I would never have thought it would all be gone within a few short weeks! I did do it daily though! No matter what! And I did the full count of 30, no matter the pain. The improvement was DAILY!! In range of movement of my arm, AND pain reduction! I was in awe almost daily! :'D I just couldn't believe how fast this exercise worked to fix the cord problem! I very quickly was able to lift my arm higher and higher (I also did a sequence of exercises given to me by the hospital, to stretch the breast scar tissue, etc, so that helped too). The mobility in my arm is now 100% again, with no pain & no swelling, and of course, no cords! I am now about to learn your lymph drainage massage so I can do that myself at home for the times I can't get an appointment with the therapists at the hospital. I still have ongoing weekly therapy there, but often their calendar is overly full and I go for weeks without a session, and then I can feel the lymph backing up under my arm. Very unpleasant. Thank you SO so much for these videos! They've been a God-send for me on my healing path!! God bless!
When my therapist massages my cording it sometimes feels
Like I am getting electrocuted so she has to do more gentle massaging. What can we do so it doesn’t make me jump
Off the table. Thanks
Hi Natalie, thanks for the question. Are you doing any neural stretching? Or just 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 about cording and other topics on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
What if the cording is confined to just across the breasts & not the arms?
Hi Jimmy, sorry for my very slow reply. If cording is in the breast tissue you can sometimes still find ways to tension the cord by using your arm AND trunk AND legs to stretch the cord. It takes a but of fiddling with positions. You can also get a lot of benefits from massaging the cord. If you need further help we could do an online consultation. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio hi Jen no worries. I kinda get Watcha saying. Thanks for the advice & I'll give it a try. Good day
Can you get cording without having breast cancer/treatments?
Hi Cindy, I have seen cording in a few specific circumstances where the patient hasn't had Breast Cancer. One patient had a large cyst in the armpit that had to be removed and they had cording after surgery.
I have had no surgery or procedures at all but just noticed a short cording
@@cindygordon3892 try these stretches and let me know if it improves the cord or not. May be best to see a local Physio if you're not sure if it's a cord or not.
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Hi. Is it possible that a cyst in the armpit burst and this caused cording? I had a small lump - the size of a marble that is no longer there, but now I have cording. Thank you.
@@MistyMawn it is highly possible that a cyst in the armpit can cause cording. I have seen this before. Do you have access to a Physiotherapist where you are so they can assess you? Jen x
I had liposuction and tummy tuck and I have cords in armpit AND abdomen. It’s been horrible. Didn’t even know this was a thing
Hi Shawntee, I don't think cording is discussed often enough as a potential side effect of surgery. Did you have this surgery for Breast Cancer? Jen
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio yeah I agree I def have them in my armpits and abdomen. I wish I could send you a video of the abdomen ones. I had cosmetic surgery with lipo.
Thank you Jen for your very useful video. I’m an Italian Physiotherapist and I have been working since 2008 with women after Surgery for Breast Cancer. I don’t agree with you only about the “nature “ of cords. I think they could be vessels ( lymphatic or circulatory) which are less elastic after the trauma of surgery. If they had a nervous nature, we would have sensitive or mobility problems when the cords are broken ( for example during avigorous stretching ). What about this idea?
Hi Laura, thanks for your comment. The reason I believe the cording is nerve rather than lymphatic is because they can present with symptoms exclusive to nerve tissue such as tingling, and they respond to neural flossing / tensioning exercises, where lymphatic vessels may not respond. I also believe the cording doesn't literally snap, I suspect the noises are similar to spinal cavitations - so a release of tension in the form of gas. We certainly need more research on the nature of the cording, but from my clinical experience this is my interpretation. Jen x
nunber 6 in your playlist for cording has been corrupted- it has ac music video in there for some tech gremlin reason. Just noticed when i went to share the playlist link. I guess the video it was , was your venous cording one.czcams.com/video/s4JWQs_8aMw/video.htmlsi=eCafqSpheZzA31-Z
Thank you for this helpful information!
My pleasure Barb! Jen x