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What is it called when your arm tightens up I forgot

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Kentucy
January 6, 2025
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A MyBCTeam Member

Lymphedema?

January 6, 2025
MyBCTeam

It sounds like you might be referring to Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), also known as cording. This can occur after breast surgery and feels like tightness or a thick cord running from your wrist to your armpit, sometimes limiting arm movement. If this is what you're experiencing, physical therapy and stretching can help. For Show Full Answer

It sounds like you might be referring to Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), also known as cording. This can occur after breast surgery and feels like tightness or a thick cord running from your wrist to your armpit, sometimes limiting arm movement. If this is what you're experiencing, physical therapy and stretching can help. For more details, visit url: https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/cording-afte....

January 6, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

If it's the cording you can do the massaging your self. Of course which ever side of the body it is on. You just take your thumb,fore finger and your middle finger and just GENTLY some what pinch the area in a circular motion top to bottom of it. If you can't gently pinch the area then it's not the cording. Another idea might just be cupping your hand and messaging that area. Again gently. That's all I can come up with without seeing some one sorry. I know the doctor appointments and co-pays etc are also draining on the financial part, emotional part mental part and last physical part of your well-being. Wishing you the best on all of this. Love hugs and prayers.

January 7, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

@MyBCTeam users... I have either cording or scar tissue to this day right above my inner elbow to my shoulder.

I do stretching exercises in the shower when your muscles and skin are warm.

I have not gone to a PT specialist because I have so many doctors appointments. Every doctor appointment is 50.00.

I have finally caught up with my hospital and doctor copays and coinsurance and may see one now.

I will have to find out which it is cording or scarring.

Either way it limits my arms motion. It has been this way since about 2015.

Sue told me about a specialist who might help. I am just not sure what is causing my discomfort.

January 7, 2025 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

Cording and lymphedema are two different “animals.”

Cording can happen soon after surgery, is extremely painful, and looks like tight cords under the skin that may even go to the wrists.

Lymphedema is swelling of arm, leg, foot, breasts, or even stomach area caused by the lymphatic system not functioning.

Both need to be seen by a lymphedema PT.

January 6, 2025

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