For 6 years I've lived with the effects of numbness as a result of treatment to my legs/feet and arms.

Recently, a friend suggested I go to theraputic massage therapy.

With nothing to lose, I tried it. The first treatment brought relief for 2 days. A week later, my second treatment has brought me relief now for so far almost a week and still going well.

My plan is to go one more week, then spread my visits out to every month or month and a half. (My cost is about $75/hour and my insurance covers up to $300 / year). There are other less costly options available. (Like even to have a friend/loved one do the massage on you if they learn how).

The numbness in the feet and legs was due to the muscles stiffening up around the nerves, and the numbness in the arms was due (which shocked me) to scar tissue from my mastectomy pressing on a nerve! My right breast was developing a deeper and deeper dent along the incision site. When the massage therapist worked out the area (they know where if you tell them).. the numbness ENTIRELY disappeared and the deep dent ENTIRELY disappeared and filled out as well! I'm thrilled!

The other thing they said to do was stand in a corner with a hand on each wall, elbows straight out from the shoulder and lean into the wall and hold for 15 seconds. Shake and repeat. Do this 1 to 3 times a day to stretch the scar tissue in the chest area.

For the feet, stand toes on the edge of a step and support yourself. Slowly drop your heels to stretch the back of your calves and hold (no bouncing). Then rise onto your toes and hold. Do this a few times.

Walk 10 steps forward on the outer edge of your feet, then back.

Walk 10 steps forward on the inner edge of your feet, then back.

Walk 10 steps forward on your toes, then back.

Walk 10 steps forward on your heels, then back.

Hope this helps....and offers you HOPE that you can find relief!

   Email me new posts to this topic.