Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment NYC

What is Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome?

Radiation therapy has proven to be quite an effective treatment for many types of cancer. In simple terms, radiation kills the DNA within cancer cells, rendering cancer cells unable to replicate. Consequently, the cells are then destroyed and removed by the body. 

But in addition to damaging cancer cells, radiation also damages all of the normal tissues within the radiated field. Because of this collateral tissue damage, the radiated skin and underlying soft tissues (muscle, connective tissue, ligaments & tendons) may progressively become stiff and hard (thanks to the increased production of a protein called fibrin), resulting in a condition known as Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (RFS). 

Symptoms of Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome?

Due to the damage caused by radiation therapy, the radiated skin and underlying soft tissues can progressively become stiff and hard, resulting in a variety of symptoms within the radiated area, including:

  • Pain

  • Muscle cramps

  • Muscle weakness or atrophy

  • Muscle tightness

  • Change in posture

  • Decreased joint mobility

  • Decreased flexibility

  • Change in the skin’s appearance

  • Change in the skin’s texture

RFS symptoms can develop anywhere from weeks to years following radiation treatments, and if not addressed properly, the symptoms may worsen with time. 

Risk Factors

It’s important to note that not every person undergoing radiation therapy will develop radiation fibrosis. There are numerous factors that play a role in the development and severity of radiation fibrosis, including:

  • Total dose and dose per fraction

  • Area of tissue being treated

  • Time of treatment

  • History of certain health conditions

  • Genetic predisposition to skin issues

However, patients who receive radiation around the head, neck, axilla, or breast region are at greater risk of developing RFS.

Treatment For Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome

At FemFirst Health, our occupational therapist specialized in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation can effectively address Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome. 

Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome can be treated in physical therapy with the use of a variety of soft tissue techniques and exercises. Depending on the specific radiation fibrosis symptoms, physical therapy is proven to help:

– reduce pain

– soften the skin

– improve joint mobility

– improve the mobility of soft tissues

– improve muscle flexibility and strength

– improve posture

Book Appointment

At FemFirstHealth we treat radiation fibrosis syndrome patients at our Midtown office in New York City.

FAQs

Is radiation fibrosis syndrome permanent?

Many believe RFS to be irreversible and therefore permanent. However, carefully performed physical therapy techniques like manual therapy and soft tissue mobilization techniques have been shown to be very effective at reducing and even eliminating many of the common radiation fibrosis symptoms.

How is radiation fibrosis syndrome diagnosed?

Because each patient experiences RFS a little differently and because symptoms vary, a physical therapy assessment is the best way to diagnose RFS. And as soon as symptoms are identified, the therapist can then get to work on creating a custom treatment plan. 

I had radiation therapy X years ago, is it too late to consult?

Absolutely not. It is never too early or too late to consult in physical therapy for Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome. 

Book Appointment

The specialists at FemFirstHealth treat patients at our Midtown and Upper West Side offices in New York City.

If you or someone you know would benefit, contact us to book an appointment.

Click here to contact us or call us directly at (646) 678-3034.