Treatment for Shoulder or Chest Pain After a Mastectomy
Many women have had difficulty using their arms and reaching overhead after a mastectomy causing pain and tightness in the shoulder. Some of the primary treatments for breast cancer can include lumpectomy, mastectomy, and radiation. All of these treatments can disrupt normal tissue in the chest and underarm area. These areas can become scarred or tight, which can limit the range of motion of the arm or cause pain in the arm or chest. Occasionally, this tightness persists or worsens weeks or even months after treatment.
Treatment for this pain or loss of motion is often done by cancer rehab specialists. Cancer rehab specialists can include physical or occupational therapists that specialize in treating persons who either currently have cancer or are cancer survivors. They frequently see survivors who have had weeks, months, or even years of trouble using their arm. Treatment may include a specialized massage or manual therapy, as well as exercises to help stretch and strengthen the shoulder girdle and chest. Fortunately, treatment is usually very successful at improving people’s pain and improving their ability to comfortably use their arm for day to day activities.
For more information on cancer rehab services, please contact CRH Rehabilitation Center at Marr Road at 812-372-3035, or talk to your physician about obtaining a referral.
View All Success Stories
Treatment for this pain or loss of motion is often done by cancer rehab specialists. Cancer rehab specialists can include physical or occupational therapists that specialize in treating persons who either currently have cancer or are cancer survivors. They frequently see survivors who have had weeks, months, or even years of trouble using their arm. Treatment may include a specialized massage or manual therapy, as well as exercises to help stretch and strengthen the shoulder girdle and chest. Fortunately, treatment is usually very successful at improving people’s pain and improving their ability to comfortably use their arm for day to day activities.
For more information on cancer rehab services, please contact CRH Rehabilitation Center at Marr Road at 812-372-3035, or talk to your physician about obtaining a referral.

CRH News
-
VIDEO: NexusPark Construction Timelapse
Nov 28, 2023, 19:07 PM by Laker, J.Watch three angles of the ongoing construction of NexusPark through November, 2023.Full story -
Holiday hours for CRH-affiliated services
Nov 15, 2023, 19:09 PM by Andrew LakerOffice hours for CRH-affiliated practices and service lines for the 2023/2024 holiday season.Full story -
Healthy Communities releases gun safety statement
Nov 1, 2023, 17:35 PM by User Not FoundColumbus Regional Health Healthy Communities Council recognizes unintentional and intentional gun deaths and injuries as a public health crisis.Full story -
CRH Offering Two Important Health Screening Opportunities
Oct 12, 2023, 16:03 PM by DeClue, A.On Oct. 28, Columbus Regional Health Breast Health Services will offer a free clinical breast screening event for those whose insurance does not cover breast screenings. Also, throughout November, the CRH Lung Care Team is offering low-dose lung scans to anyone who is eligible and hasn’t had a lung scan before.Full story -
OB/GYN Associates prepares for move to NexusPark
Oct 11, 2023, 17:54 PM by DeClue, A.Columbus Regional Health is pleased to announce the first phase of the relocation process for those practices and services moving into the health system’s dedicated space in NexusPark. In this first phase, OB/GYN Associates will relocate to NexusPark and open to patients on Oct. 23, 2023.Full story -
Workplace Violence Prevention Efforts at CRH Supported By New Law
Sep 13, 2023, 19:33 PM by Newton, A.The safety of Columbus Regional Health's workforce is our priority. The formation of the Columbus Regional Hospital Police Department in 2020 has allowed us to have immediate response from law enforcement for workforce members. As part of their work, our Workplace Violence Prevention Committee reviews workplace violence incidents and looks at how to incorporate various scenarios in our training and education for staff.Full story