Most of the session was spent on my shoulders. They're both "frozen" in case you missed that bit of miserable news. I was surprised how much of the time the therapist focused on firm pressure ... feeling the tightness and where the pain resides. Her hands got so warm ... hot, actually ... and that felt good, too. She would put firm pressure on a shoulder with one hand and then, with the other, very slowly make guided movements with my arm ... little changes and turns ... gentle stretches. She had to remind me to breathe a lot. I know I forget to breathe when I'm concentrating. I attribute it to years of playing clarinet. It's kind of like "phrasing" your way through life.
A short bit of time was spent massaging the rest of my "chestal area" ... don't get all goofy ... and my lymphatic system, mostly through the centre of my chest and under my left arm, in particular. Massage around and over my incisions hurt a bit, but the pain hasn't lasted and I think it was good for it. I half expected my shoulders to feel worse as the day progressed, but that hasn't been the case so far. Neither has there been any swelling under my arm since the massage. Yeah!
After working my shoulders, I could feel a bit of "space" made inside them. Like they'd been opened up a bit. I'll bet my range of motion improved a bit, too. I went to work afterward and felt good. I was able to work the whole afternoon without getting worn down by fatigue or pain. So ... all's good. Could things be better? Absa-bloomin-lutely!! But, for the time being, I'll celebrate all the little improvements ... or even non-backwards steps ... I can get.
I have another massage next Friday. I'm looking forward to it.
Happy weekend, everyone! Enjoy what is supposed to be gorgeous weather! I want to get my bike out and see how I do on a mini-trip around the block.
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I knew a massage would do wonders for you! Now my next bit of advice is to call that doctor I told you about. She will help you through this no onconolgist catastrophe and side effects problem you are having. I will try to call you today or tomorrow for a chat.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natalie!
ReplyDeleteHi Berny! I'm searching my compromised brain for something about a "doctor you recommended?" and I can't find it and I dearly want to! I so would love to have some knowledgeable help with my side effect problems! Yes, we MUST chat! I hope your appointment was a happy one! Do tell!
It’s always a relief when could move freely without feeling any pain – like what you’ve felt after your massage therapy. Massage therapies have numerous benefits, particularly for people experiencing muscle pain. Anyway, your journey is not an easy one, but you still live your life to the fullest. I hope you will inspire others to do the same. Life is short after all. ;-)
ReplyDeleteStela Dimitrov
Reading your post made me feel relaxed as well. It’s definitely a wonderful experience when the therapist knows how to ease the client's tensions and make them feel good right from the start. Anyway, having a massage is a good thing once in a while. It can even help your body relax from all the pent-up stress caused by your therapy back then. Anyway, I hope you're feeling well now. Take care!
ReplyDeleteWilliam Connors @ The Healing Station