Shoulder pain and stiffness??

Hi Julie. You didn't have a neck dissection did you? So likely it's radiation fibrosis starting. Give your CNS a ring and see if they can show you some exercises to do. It's important to prevent it getting any worse. But don't worry about it...it's fairly common.

The puffy swelling is lymphodema which responds well to gentle massage....basically stroking the area towards a healthy lymph node to drain the excess fluid away

Thanks Dani, I thought as much but am surprised that it got my shoulder  So much for targeted hey!  Have been trying to move it but will check the proper way on Monday. Will look at your lymph node video for the other.

I had a neck operation to remove the glands because of mouth cancer. Told all clear now but 3 months later my left shoulder is in severe pain so I cant use my left hand fully. Will it get better? what can I do?

Go back to your CNS and tell them. Likely your pain is due to a combination of RT and surgery and there’s always a chance of it getting worse if you do nothing. You’ll probably need some physiotherapy

I hope you get it sorted soon.  

Hi

As Dani says go back to your clinical team about the pain.  They are familiar with the types of pain and limited movement post operation. 

I had problems on my right side after my operation.  Over the last 18 months or so I've regained most of the movement and it now just niggles me.  That said you need to religiously do the exercises offered to get the movement back.

I also found my GP and community physio really good at helping me through this.  If prescribed painkillers don't be scared to take them as they will help you use the arm normally rather than possibly forcing it to move in a manner that minimises the pain but potentially does further long term damage.

Great Answers which give me hope for when I am able to contact my Clinical team on 9th August although GP not possible at the moment so am doing exercises from Internet but at 81Hard.

I am not into prescribing physio but if you google "Southampton University Hospital" or "Oxford University Hospital" neck dissection their leaflets have some exercises in them that may be more appropriate than just general ones on the Internet.  I had specific variations of these from my NHS physio using an application called Physiotools.

Hope that helps.

Just what I wanted Peter to get me the information I needed. Thanks.

Alfie