I had my second physio appointment today. I've been using my Gym Ball so my core stability has improved. I can turn a little easier to my left and my posture is getting there.
BUT we discovered a new problem with lifting my arms. They just wont go higher than about 50degrees. So she decided to make that the new priority. I had to lay on my front why the therapist put all her preassure on 4 positions on my spine OUCH. She said "how does that feel?" & i replied "ummm, a little sore" (understatement)!
But when i sat up and lifted my arms again it went right up! I was shocked! So now i have exercises to do to put preassure on those points to keep it open. YAY
Well... as they say - no pain no gain!

Hi Chelle

Well done with the physio, I know how you feel I have had a few session and it bl**dy well hurts, last time they had me swinging from the door which was real fun.

Biggest problem for us "wooden necks" is turning the head, yesterday I went for a massage on the back, that was quite painful but the amount of movement afterwards was brillant well worth a try (today it aches like you no what) something to do with latic acid).

regards

Tony

hello kathleen and chelle
yes i have also joined the wooden neck club had physio today also my arm has a palsy after surgery this mouth cancer affects so many parts of your body i am going to have accupuncture for the next few weeks i have also heard of facial lymph drainage massage has anyone tried it. going to hospice next week for arromatherapy massage, anything to ease the neck tightness

Hi Bev

You are dead right about the effect on so many parts of the body.

I get bad headaches and all sorts of weird sensations up and down my back something to do with tension and the way the nerves are re-connecting.

Hopes all goes well with the therapy, not had lymph drainage. I read on the forum somewhere that it's perhaps best left for a while after finishing treatment (I could be wrong).

One thing I have noticed is that two days after the massage I ache like a so and so, you will have to let us know how the accupunture and aromatherapy work out for you.

Hope you don't mind me asking a perhaps silly question?

You mention that your dr said no R/T required after having a neck disection did your dr say why. The reason I ask is there seems to be such a differnce in treatment from place to place in the UK, (mind you your neck is alot stiffer after R/T so you are really lucky if you don't need it). I walk around like a "plank" no rude remarks anyone. It does ease up over time.

Regards
Tony

Well done with the physio Chelle. Its truly amazing what can be achieved - even with pain - ouch !!

My mum has just had a session of aromatherapy from someone who came to the house, who is associated with our local cancer centre

She feels tons better after it and even feels it is helping her stand taller and straighter. She looks so much better and brighter today

She's having another go next week.

Good for your mum Winnie, hope she continues to improve and enjoys the aromatherapy.

Hey yall!
The complimentary therapies really do help. I had aromatherapy massages and i felt so relaxed and content for days afterwards.
Re. The lymph drainage. I also understand it's best left for a year after treatment as there is some skeptisism over wether or not it may spread any left over cells.

Tony - well... what can you say?! oo-er!