Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a condition many women experience after breast surgery and it significantly impacts their life quality. This chronic pain, which manifests as a tingling or burning sensation or acute pain in the affected area, can limit mobility and cause emotional distress.
This article explores the causes and symptoms of and treatment options for PMPS, highlighting the crucial role of physiotherapy and advanced technologies such as Capenergy’s.
What is post-mastectomy pain symptom?
Post-mastectomy pain symptom (PMPS) is a condition that occurs after a mastectomy. It is believed to be caused by damage suffered to nerves in the armpit and thorax during mastectomy surgery. This nerve damage can alter the transmission of pain signals, generating persistent unpleasant sensations.
What factors influence the development of PMPS?
Several factors can increase the possibility of developing PMPS, such as:
- Complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and not just a sentinel lymph node biopsy: this surgery, even though sometimes necessary, increases the risk of suffering PMPS.
- Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy after surgery can also contribute to the development of the syndrome.
- Overweight: Excess weight can make recovery difficult and increase pain sensitivity.
Anxiety and depression: Emotional conditions can increase perception of pain.
Symptoms of post-mastectomy pain syndrome
PMPS manifest through various symptoms including persistent neuropathic pain in the chest wall, armpit and / or arm. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain and tingling sensation in the chest wall, armpit and / or arm.
- Pain in the shoulder or the surgical scar.
- Numbness, acute or stinging pain or excessive itching.
Although PMPS is less frequent nowadays due to the reduction of the amount of ALND dissections practiced, it remains a relevant issue to many patients. Being well informed about the available treatment strategies is fundamental to improve the quality of life of those suffering from it.
Treatment strategies for post-mastectomy pain syndrome
Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) significantly affects everyday life activities (ELA) and noticeably impacts emotional wellbeing. The fear of more pain or anatomic changes can lead patients to avoid the use of the affected arm in their everyday life. This can further lead to a loss of strength as well as tissue atrophy. Nevertheless, nowadays, different professionals and advanced technologies are available to efficiently prevent and treat these complications.
Thanks to the combination of specialized knowledge and innovative techniques, positive results can be obtained in the treatment of PMPS.
PMPS treatment requires an integral approach to both physical and emotional aspects of the patient. Below we will detail some of the most efficient strategies:
Medical and pharmacological treatment
Doctors and oncologists play a key role in the treatment of PMPS, prescribing medicines to reduce neuropathic pain and treat the symptoms associated with it, such as hot flashes. Specific drugs include analgesics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which effectively control neuropathic pain.
Specialized physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is essential for the treatment of PMPS and offers multiple benefits. Physiotherapists can intervene on the following levels:
- Treatment of the surgical scar: Manual techniques and puncturing, together with the application of Capenergy radiofrequency, which activates the fibroblasts, help reduce both pain and adhesions, improving the functionality of the scar and the sensitivity of the affected area, while at the same time preventing the formation of keloids and reducing the sensation of numbness or hypersensitivity.
- Improved mobility and strength: With the help of specific exercises and mobilization techniques, physiotherapists can increase the functionality of the affected member, improving the range of movement (ROM) and strengthening the muscles.
- Prevention of lymphedema: Physiotherapy can also help prevent or improve lymphedema symptoms by means of lymphatic drainage techniques and adequate exercises.
- Patient education: Physiotherapists educate patients showing them techniques to improve their quality of life and to efficiently manage pain. They furthermore provide emotional support during the recovery process.
Nutrition and pain management
A nutritionist can play an important role in the management of pain and inflammation. An adequate diet can contribute to a general decrease of symptoms and boost tissue recovery.
Sanitary professional specialized in PNI
A PNI specialist will approach the syndrome through the detection of many external factors we encounter in our everyday life that negatively affect our health. He will furthermore provide the patient with strategies to minimize or avoid these factors, thus increasing the patient’s health.
Psychological support and emotional management
Psychological support is crucial to help the patients deal with the emotions associated with post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). Psychologists can teach relaxation techniques and strategies to manage pain and emotional stress.
Medical aesthetic and dermatofunctional treatments
Aesthetic and dermatofunctional professionals play a key role in the improvement of the aspect of the skin and the tissues after surgery. They employ techniques such as micropigmentation, plastic surgery and body treatments to optimize recovery after chemo or radiotherapy. A positive perception of one ‘s own body is fundamental, not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also for self esteem, as it directly affects emotional and mental wellbeing. An integral approach, englobing both physical and emotional aspects, is essential to assure a complete and balanced recovery.
How can Capenergy help in the treatment of post-mastectomy pain syndrome?
Capenergy and its advanced radiofrequency technology, offer effective solutions for the treatment of PMPS. Capenergy radiofrequency is applied to boost tissue repair, reduce pain and improve functionality of the affected area. Its capacity to act on the tissues in a precise and profound way turns this technology into an excellent tool for the treatment of PMPS.
Furthermore, the use of Capenergy radiofrequency can offer significant relief, as it improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation and supports cellular regeneration. This contributes to a faster recovery and improved quality of life of those patients suffering from PMPS.
Benefits of Capenergy in the treatment of post-mastectomy pain syndrome
- Pain relief: The action that radiofrequency exerts on the tissues, helps to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation, thus relieving the chronic pain.
- Improved circulation: Capenergy’s technology stimulates microcirculation in the affected area, boosting the oxygenation of the tissues and speeding up the repair process.
- Reduction of adhesions: Scar adhesions can contribute to the pain and limit movement. Radiofrequency helps dissolve these adhesions, improving mobility and flexibility of the area.
- Relaxation effect: The feeling of profound heat produced by Capenergy radiofrequency induces relaxation, reducing muscle tension and boosting general wellbeing.
Pain modulation: Capenergy’s technology acts on the nervous system, modulating pain perception and generating an analgesic effect.
Why choose Capenergy?
Capenergy is a leading brand in the electromedicine field, known for its quality and innovative devices. Capenergy’s technology offers a series of advantages:
- Automatic plates with temperature sensor: Guaranteeing a safe and personalized treatment.
- Cross-fire technique: Increases efficiency combining different types of electrodes.
- Multichannel system: Allows treating several body areas at the same time.
In conclusion, Capenergy’s radiofrequency technology stands out as an advanced option for the treatment of the post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS), offering significant benefits for pain reduction and improved functionality.
Would you like to know more about Capenergy’s radiofrequency and how it can help in the treatment of different ailments at your clinic? Request a free demo.
