Pain in rib area of radiation.

Posted by sultanvr @sultanvr, Mar 29 9:21am

Periodically when I use weights or exercise, I experience pain, soreness in the area of my ribcage where I had radiation and lymph nodes removal. I have read that this can occur. Has anyone here experienced that and what did you do? When I have shared with oncologist they shared that as long as it goes away and isn't constant, not to worry about it, but I am.
Thank yku.

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gracejaneway | @gracejaneway | Mar 29 12:24pm

Hi,
I workout frequently and have the same swelling you are describing. I am scheduled for a lymph massage and pt for some muscle fibrosis across the pectorals muscle. Mayo couldn’t get me in for 9 weeks so I am doing lymph massage for myself and stretching the muscle.
My issue appears to be intermittent, but weight training does exacerbate the swelling and pain. Ask for a pt consult!! FYI my radiation was in November of 2025 and I am still dealing with pain and swelling. Just doing the best I can to keep moving. I hope you feel better. Good luck!

gracejaneway | @gracejaneway | Mar 29 12:29pm

The name of the YouTube channel I use is called cancerRehabPT.

This is the post cancer pt website on YouTube I have been using. She has great videos on all kinds of lymph massage.
Hope this helps.
Jane

tanzdame | @tanzdame | Mar 31 6:52pm

I had radiation after a lumpectomy in October 2024 and I have the same issue. I workout regularly with weights at the gym and feel pain in the ribs on my left side, in addition to having tight muscles in that area. I will ask my doctor about it when I see her in two weeks, and I try not to worry about it.