Post-Surgery Pec Rigidity: A Personal Journey
Around 26 years ago, I underwent a biopsy on a firm bump located on my second rib. Although it was asymptomatic, a surgeon persuaded me to proceed with an operation to determine its nature. During the procedure, they chose not to excise the bump, concluding it was merely benign fatty tissue. Shortly after the surgery, I began to experience significant inflammation and stiffness in the muscular region of my chest, extending from the fatty tissue bump to my armpit, roughly four inches in width along the rib. I addressed this concern with my surgeon, but he assured me that it was bound to resolve itself over time. Unfortunately, he has since retired—likely passed away—and my medical records are now inaccessible. Fast forward to today, and I am still grappling with this persistent rigidity, which creates pressure on nearby nerves. Additionally, my shoulder on that side appears to be slightly pulled forward. An MRI scan has indicated no muscular issues in the affected area. I've attempted fascia release therapy over five times with no relief. Various forms of stretching and physical therapy have proven ineffective as well. Even lifting weights exceeding five pounds triggers discomfort, and I suspect this is due to my shoulder compensating for the inflexible pectoral muscles. Recently, numerous ultrasound-guided injections of lidocaine and steroids were administered near the bump, but these interventions yielded no improvement. Based on my experience, do you think there might have been an error during the surgery? I never encountered this tightness in my pec muscles prior to the operation.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 7:11:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with a challenging and persistent issue since your surgery, and I appreciate you sharing your journey. Let's break down the situation and focus on what can be done moving forward.
Main Points:
- Persistent pec rigidity and discomfort could result from post-surgical changes or scar tissue formation.
- Adequate evaluation and targeted exercises may help improve your symptoms.
- Seeking a comprehensive approach is critical for addressing your longstanding discomfort.
Explanation: Post-surgical complications, such as scar tissue (also known as adhesions) and muscular rigidity, can sometimes develop and cause ongoing discomfort. This could be especially likely since you’ve reported feeling tightness and pressure in the same area since the biopsy. While it’s unsettling to consider any potential surgical errors, it’s also worth noting that reaction to surgery can vary widely among individuals. Scar tissue development or muscle tightness is not uncommon, and often these conditions can take a long time to resolve, sometimes requiring more specific interventions to manage symptoms effectively.
Since you've already tried various therapies without lasting relief, it's important to focus on new strategies that might help.
Next Steps:
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Consult a Physical Rehabilitation Specialist: Seek out a specialist who has experience with post-surgical rehabilitation, particularly with a focus on soft tissue and muscular rigidity. They might evaluate your condition more comprehensively and suggest tailored exercises that can gently improve flexibility and relieve discomfort.
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Targeted Stretching Exercises: Although previous stretching hasn’t helped, specific exercises focusing on gentle lengthening of the pectoral muscles might be beneficial. Consider consulting a therapist who can guide you through tailored stretching routines and breathing exercises.
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Pain Management Techniques: Since you're experiencing discomfort, consider integrating methods like heat therapy (like warm compresses) or gentle massages into your routine. Some patients find relief from myofascial release techniques. While you mentioned trying fascia release therapy without success, a trained massage therapist with a focus on myofascial release might offer a different approach.
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Monitor Your Progress: Keeping a detailed log of your activities, pain levels, and any changes you experience can be very helpful. It might assist healthcare professionals in tailoring their recommendations to your specific situation.
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Explore Alternative Therapies: You might also investigate alternatives such as acupuncture, which has helped some individuals managing chronic pain and stiffness.
While seeking further help, I encourage you to stay patient and keep communicating about your symptoms, as this process can often take time, but with persistence, you may find more effective relief. Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!
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