Treatment FAQ

how long after breat cancer treatment can frozen shoulder happen

by Mrs. Chanel Braun III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Unfortunately, this process can take upwards of 1-3 years, and without therapy including specific strengthening exercises, function and/or range of motion of the shoulder may not be fully restored.Aug 1, 2017

Can breast cancer cause a frozen shoulder?

In addition, frozen shoulder is a frequent complication after mastectomy due to breast cancer (Wedgwood and Benson, 1992; Cheville and Tchou, 2007). Thus, there is some clinical evidence, based on case reports and small cross-sectional studies, that patients with malignancies are at increased risk of frozen shoulder.

Can you have shoulder pain after breast cancer radiation?

At first glance, shoulders seem distant from breasts and there is no immediately obvious connection. However, it turns out that shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion are very common after breast cancer surgery and/or radiation therapy.Apr 6, 2020

How long does it take frozen shoulder to develop?

A frozen shoulder may take two to nine months to develop. Although the pain may slowly improve, stiffness continues, and range of motion remains limited.

Can breast cancer affect your shoulder?

Shoulder problems are extremely common after breast cancer treatment. Up to 68% of breast cancer patients may experience shoulder pain and/or restricted shoulder motion. There are two common causes of these symptoms. Compression of one or more of the rotator cuff tendons is also called tendinitis.

Does radiation cause frozen shoulder?

A second common cause of these symptoms is a condition called “frozen shoulder,” which involves a very stiff shoulder that may or may not be painful. Not moving the arm enough after breast cancer treatment can lead to this problem. Radiation can further add to the shoulder stiffness.Mar 10, 2022

Can radiotherapy cause frozen shoulder?

Moreover, in patients who have undergone radiotherapy, there is a higher prevalence of secondary frozen shoulder than in patients who did not.

What can be mistaken for frozen shoulder?

Rotator cuff tear and frozen shoulder are two of the most common shoulder conditions orthopedic surgeons treat every day. A rotator cuff tear is often mistaken for a frozen shoulder, so we explain how different the two are.

What aggravates frozen shoulder?

For example, it can happen if you can't move your shoulder very well because of an injury or surgery, or if you have diabetes, which can worsen symptoms and make them last longer. Thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and certain HIV medications also seem to raise your odds of getting frozen shoulder.Jun 24, 2020

What is the main cause of frozen shoulder?

One of the most common causes of frozen shoulder is the immobility that may result during recovery from a shoulder injury, broken arm or a stroke. If you've had an injury that makes it difficult to move your shoulder, talk to your doctor about exercises you can do to maintain the range of motion in your shoulder joint.Aug 1, 2020

What does shoulder pain from breast cancer feel like?

This pain can be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or numbness. If your pain is caused by cancer that has spread (metastasized), it might feel like a deep, dull ache in your joints or bones. Pain near your right shoulder blade could mean that your liver is involved.Mar 4, 2021

How do you know if shoulder pain is cancer?

If shoulder pain occurs when resting, worsens at night or doesn't involve any loss of motion, it may indicate lung cancer. Other lung cancer signs include: A chronic, hacking cough. Blood-tinged mucus.

How do you know if breast cancer has spread to bones?

Symptoms and diagnosis of bone metastasis

A sudden, noticeable new pain is the most common symptom of breast cancer that has spread to the bone. The pain may come and go at first but can become constant over time. It can be hard to tell the difference between bone metastasis pain and arthritis pain or exercise strain.
Apr 12, 2022

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is so named because it causes the shoulder to stiffen, reducing its mobility and making it feel like it’s frozen in place. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes it, but they know that when it occurs, it is often the result of a problem in the joint capsule.

Does Frozen Shoulder Increase Your Risk of Getting Cancer?

Research has recently suggested that a frozen shoulder might be a complication or a symptom of cancer in some cases.

Further Studies Reveal Possible Connection

For a later 2010 study, researchers examined the clinical records of 34 patients with malignant shoulder tumors and 505 patients with shoulder pain and stiffness. They found that among the 34 tumor patients, nine (26 percent) had been misdiagnosed initially with frozen shoulder syndrome.

How Can You Tell If Shoulder Pain Means Cancer?

So far, there is no clear way to differentiate shoulder pain from cancer without a doctor’s help. There are some potential clues, however, that you can watch for, including the following:

Exercises and Stretches That Offer Relief

Remember that if treatment doesn’t work, it’s also wise to ask about the potential for cancer.

Why does my shoulder hurt after breast cancer?

It’s common to have pain in and around the shoulder blade after breast cancer treatment. The pain may be related to surgery, chemotherapy , or radiation therapy . Those treatments may have changed the muscles, ligaments, and collagen fibers in the treated area, making it harder to move your arm freely.

Can breast cancer cause shoulder pain?

Pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer. However, breast cancer that has metastasized (spread to other body parts) can sometimes cause shoulder blade pain. One of the most common locations for breast cancer metastasis is in the bones. Pain can be related to the cancer itself or fractures that happen when bones weaken.

What are the procedures for breast cancer?

Breast cancer surgery often involves one or more of these surgical procedures: 1 lumpectomy 2 mastectomy 3 removal of lymph nodes 4 breast reconstruction 5 insertion or removal of drains

Where does breast cancer spread?

One of the most common locations for breast cancer metastasis is in the bones. Pain can be related to the cancer itself or fractures that happen when bones weaken. Bladder, prostate, thyroid, uterus, lung, and kidney cancers can also spread to your bones. Lung and kidney cancers are also known. Trusted Source.

Can cancer spread to bones?

Bladder, prostate, thyroid, uterus, lung, and kidney cancers can also spread to your bones. Lung and kidney cancers are also known. to spread to the shoulder joint and shoulder blade.

What to do if you have cancer pain?

If you’re in pain due to cancer that has moved to your bones, your oncologist can prescribe medications to slow the progression and help prevent bone fractures .

What causes pain in the shoulder blade?

Pain in and around your scapula — the triangle-shaped bone on either side of your upper back — is usually an orthopedic issue. However, there are times when it can be related to breast cancer . Pain in your shoulder blade can be a result of breast cancer treatment or, in rare cases, ...

How long does it take for a frozen shoulder to heal?

In addition, many patients are surprised to learn about the lengthy healing process (taking anywhere from 6 months to 2 years) ...

How long does it take for a shoulder to freeze?

Phase One: Freezing (6 weeks to 6 months) The freezing stage is by far the most painful phase of a frozen shoulder. At the beginning of this phase, the motion may only be slightly restricted, and that's why early frozen shoulder can be misdiagnosed as a problem with the rotator cuff. 1 . During this phase, the shoulder capsule is inflamed ...

What is the most painful part of a frozen shoulder?

The freezing stage is by far the most painful phase of a frozen shoulder. At the beginning of this phase, the motion may only be slightly restricted, and that's why early frozen shoulder can be misdiagnosed as a problem with the rotator cuff. 1 

Can you move your shoulder if it's frozen?

The characteristic examination finding that confirms the diagnosis of a frozen shoulder is that not only can the patient not move the shoulder normally, but someone else trying to manipulate the arm also cannot move the shoulder. 2  (In a rotator cuff problem, often a patient can't move their arm normally, but someone else [examiner] can.)

How to treat frozen shoulder?

Treatment of Frozen Shoulder. Frozen shoulder treatment is almost always best accomplished with physical therapy and stretching of the joint. Anti-inflammatory medications, ice and heat application, and alternative therapies can all be helpful to manage the discomfort.

Can physical therapy help with shoulder pain?

Physical therapy can be beneficial, and your doctor can suggest treatments to help alleviate pain while you recover. The good news is, over time, almost all patients will find complete relief of pain, and normal or near-normal range of motion of the shoulder joint.

Who is Jonathan Cluett?

Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams.

How long does it take to recover from a frozen shoulder?

Although recovery can take several months to a year or more, a variety of treatments may help improve your shoulder joint’s range of motion. Make an appointment to see your doctor.

What causes a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint. Stiff tissue bands (adhesions) may develop, and there may be less synovial fluid in the joint. Usually, just one shoulder is affected. It’s unclear what triggers the change.

Is shoulder pain worse at night?

Painful stage — During this period, shoulder pain occurs with any movement and is usually worse at night. Pain is often significant whether your shoulder is at rest or in use, so the tendency is to use the arm less. The joint’s range of motion starts to become limited as your shoulder gradually stiffens.

How long does it take for a frozen shoulder to go away?

But, even when physical therapy is done consistently, it still may take up to a year to gain back all lost shoulder function.

How long does it take to heal a frozen shoulder?

ANSWER: In many cases, physical therapy is all that’s needed to treat frozen shoulder. It can take time, however. Even with treatment, it may be six months to a year before full function is restored. If there’s ongoing pain involved or if physical therapy isn’t enough to resolve the problem, then medication injections or, rarely, ...

Why does my shoulder feel frozen?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, happens when the ligaments that hold the shoulder joint in place tighten due to inflammation and restrict the joint’s movement. The condition typically progresses through three stages. During the first stage, moving the shoulder becomes painful.

How to treat frozen shoulder?

Physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment for frozen shoulder. A physical therapist can provide exercises to help restore the shoulder’s range of motion and mobility. In more than 90 percent of cases, frozen shoulder goes away with physical therapy and time.

Can corticosteroid injections help with shoulder pain?

In cases with significant pain and stiffness, an injection of a corticosteroid medication into the joint often is recommended. That medication can decrease inflammation and make physical therapy easier to perform. When shoulder stiffness is not accompanied by pain, corticosteroid injections are less beneficial.

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