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Does any of my fellow BC warriors have experience with Axillary Web Syndrome (cording)? If so, has occupational therapy helped remedy this?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭

I just started OT, only one actual therapy session in. I am doing the home exercises they provided me, but not habitually yet. I need to work on my discipline, so it makes a difference. First OT session was kind of painful. I am curious how others did with therapy and exercise. Thanks for listening!

April 17
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A MyBCTeam Member

I had to do PT and OT after our car accident- so the therapist recommended taking meds for pain about 45 minutes before our sessions so it would be in my system by the time we started. I now do the same thing before mammos - lol! Perhaps that strategy would make you more diligent about doing the exercises, since might not be as uncomfortable. Keeping you in prayers! Hugs!

April 17 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member I am glad to hear the therapy has been helpful for you. I’m hoping to get some relief.

April 17
A MyBCTeam Member

I’m having PT and it helps. I have some shoulder and neck issues that we are working on but the stretches and exercises really help to loosen up my axila.

April 17
MyBCTeam

Has occupational therapy helped others with axillary web syndrome (cording)?

Yes, many MyBCTeam members have found that therapy really helps with cording, though it does take time and consistency. The pain you're experiencing during sessions is actually quite common, but members report feeling much better afterward.

One Show Full Answer

Has occupational therapy helped others with axillary web syndrome (cording)?

Yes, many MyBCTeam members have found that therapy really helps with cording, though it does take time and consistency. The pain you're experiencing during sessions is actually quite common, but members report feeling much better afterward.

One member shared: "I went to PT every week for about six sessions where she worked to massage the cords and stretch them. The process was super painful, but always felt so much better after she had worked on it. Mine took about three months to fully go away."

Another member encouraged: "I too had cording. PT helped, and my friend also did the massaging and stretching the physical therapist recommended. I thought it was there for good, especially since radiation was making it worse. However, I stuck with the stretching and massage and it's now gone. Took about two to three months, but you'd never know I had it unless you saw me during that time period. Hang in there."

The key seems to be sticking with those home exercises consistently, even though it's challenging. Physical therapy can improve your mobility and shorten recovery time, helping you avoid long-term movement problems. Many people hear little "pops" as the cords loosen - it's a bizarre but positive sign of progress!

April 17

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