Relief from Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome

My surgeon prescribed massage. My OT does Myofacial Release Massage and that has really helped loosen up my neck fibrosis. My range of motion is better and so is my speech!

Hi sandy8043
How often is Myofacial Release Massage is required to see or feel results? (I have been going for physiotherapy sessions once every two weeks - since mid 2020). I don't feel any significant improvement, but then again if I were to not go for physiotherapy - it might get to the point where my situation could be worse.
I had my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment in 2006, and only in mid 2020 I had issues with swallowing and speech - and eventually diagnosed with severe neck fibrosis - which comes with trismus, dysarthria, dysphagia, etc etc.

I go every week since January. But the progress has been great and once the Myofacial tissue is "released" its generally permanent. So I maintain my flexibility and each week gain more. Ill be done soon and from what I understand may only need to go monthly or less thereafter.

Great ... glad for you. I was given the impression that physiotherapy treatment is almost same as myofacial treatment. I reside in Toronto - and will look into this (then again, I had my HNC treatment in 2006, and severe neck fibrosis diagnosed in mid 2020 - so, it has been quite a while).
Thanks for your feedback.

I have also difficulty swallowing. I am exactly one year after my surgery right now and still have my feeding tube. I am currently doing some more speech therapy to get my tongue or what's left of it to work properly and help me swallow. Currently the only thing I can swallow is liquids and it's about 5 swallows and the rest won't go down. I did have a swallow study done it helped a little bit. My result is most likely an upper GI in the near future to take a closer look to my esophagus it most likely took a beating also with the radiation. But do look into speech therapy if you not already have done so. It does help.

I have fibrosis really bad also . I'm currently doing physical therapy,speech therapy and have manual drainage massages 3 times a week. I have a feeding tube since my surgery last year because of my tongue cancer. We are hoping all those therapies combined will relieve some of the tightness in my neck. My oncologist and I are looking at any possible methods out there to relieve that horrible stiff neck and the feeling that I'm choking.

Thank you @niml
I do have a speech therapist and she helps a great deal. I also requested to see an oral surgeon to see whT he can do for my tongue if anything.
Swallowing is very difficult but I push like crazy. I can have chunky soups and smoothies. That took a year!!
I also have Lymphedema which has swelling in the throat.
Weekly massage helps this.
What a looooong journey this is.
I wish you all the best and please continue to update the group with your progress.

Thank you for sharing. It sure is a long journey. It's nice to know we are not alone out there although I don't wish this to anyone. Hang in there we got this.

Hi, I started acupuncture and TCM about four months ago, and I have noticed relief from some of the tightness in my neck and improved swallowing. I was skeptical at first, but I have received positive benefits from it.