Axillary strings or “guitar strings” usually appear after surgery for tumor removal or mastectomy. This is one of the most common sequelae of breast cancer, and they extend from the side of the ribs on the operated side, across the axilla, down the arm and sometimes to the forearm.
They usually appear during the first 3 months after surgery, and are apparently harmless, but can leave functional limitations: inability to move the arm normally, tightness and, in many cases, pain (which, although at first it may seem an unimportant sequela, is quite disabling).
At the Instituto Fisiomédico, a pioneering oncological physiotherapy center, we encounter this sequela every day, which is why we have developed different protocols to address it and seek the goal of normalization of this structure, which is of great importance both physically and psychologically:
- Normalization of the damaged structure by means of endermotherapy through skin mechanostimulation.
- Manual therapy
- Myofascial induction
- Specialized physical activity
Thanks to the different techniques we reduce fibrosis and thrombosis of lymphatic and blood vessels. This allows the tissue to gradually regain its elasticity and return to normal behavior. All this translates into improved mobility, recovery of lost joint range and a significant decrease in pain and the feeling of tightness.
In addition, this treatment emphasizes not only on the breast area but also works the entire axillary and arm area, thus preventing the appearance of lymphedema.