Please enjoy this reference list of articles pertaining to common shoulder pathologies and compensatory patterns in breast cancer patients as well as therapeutic interventions:

In parts 1 and 2 of Acupressure for Cancer-related Fatigue we explored the stimulatory points outlined in the research by Zick et al to determine the most effective acupressure treatment formulas and dosage for treating cancer-related fatigue in patients status post chemotherapy. In Part 3, Lisa Sherman, ATc guides us through the relaxation point formula from this study which in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory is used to treat insomnia and promote restful sleep.

Fatigue is one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment. Medication is often provided for this common complaint; however, the efficacy of this is not well supported. The reasons for fatigue are often multi-factorial and difficult to pinpoint as the root cause. 

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF); a kind description would be a pervasive and disruptive feeling of lethargy associated with cancer treatment…my patient compared CRF this week, however, to a female dog! Fatigue has been found to be even more troublesome that cancer-related pain (1).  

Imagine your body has pathways, 12 of them to be exact, highways vital energy or ‘qi’ (pronounced chi) moves upon like leaves on a river. Qi flows freely or stagnates depending upon our mental, emotional and physical balance. 

Maybe I am biased, but I don’t know if there is another area of physical therapy and rehabilitation that is as cutting edge as women’s health. When I share my 20 second elevator spiel with anyone from friends to physicians about what I do I still get a kick out of the surprised question, “you can help with that?” followed by surprised face when I tell them how.