The Myofascial Release that I practice and teach has great benefit for post-mastectomy/lumpectomy pain, tightness, and limitation of motion. Post-surgical scarring, both external and internal, can create tremendous pressure and tightness on the chest wall, but can also extend into the arms, abdomen, and respiration. While injections can reduce localized pain, scar density is not changed. Traditional stretching has little impact on the dense scar tissue, which can worsen over time.With increased soft tissue tightness in the chest wall, postural changes can gradually take hold, creating pain in areas of the body far removed from the area of surgery.

Through Myofascial Release, I have witnessed vast changes in reported pain and limitation in motion. This holds true for mastectomy, reconstruction/implants, and lumpectomy. Pain and tightness following breast augmentation can also be helped significantly through Myofascial Release. Surgeons seldom refer for this type of therapy, instead offering traditional physical therapy, medications, injections, or simply telling the patient to learn to live with the problem.

Take control of you life; seek out a Myofascial Release practitioner. Read through some of the literature I’ve linked below. Contact me if you have questions.

Walt Fritz, PT

Helping to Relieve the Pain of Post-Surgical Breast Cancer with Myofascial/Craniosacral Techniques

Considering wider myofascial involvement as a possible contributor to upper extremity dysfunction following treatment for primary breast cancer

Myofascial release provides symptomatic relief from chest wall tenderness occasionally seen following lumpectomy and radiation in breast cancer patients

Early Rehabilitation Improves Extremity Function and Decreases Postoperative Complications in Cancer Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM): A Preliminary Report

The role of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with mastectomy and breast reconstruction

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF ACTIVE SCARS: ABNORMAL SCARS AS A CAUSE OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN

Walt Fritz
Author: Walt Fritz

2 Responses to Post Mastectomy Myofascial Release

  1. Been through 3 post surgeries post mastectomy. The last surgery was 8hrs at Johns Hopkins. I “exist” in constant pain with little sleep while trying to work full time. Have done acupuncture to nerve blocks. How do I find a MFR therapist who is certified in my area. Help!!

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