Massage therapy can be very beneficial in post-surgery recovery, helping to manage pain and reduce swelling, fluid retention, muscle tension, and scar tissue formation. Post-surgery massage therapy techniques support your body’s natural recovery process by enhancing the circulation of nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells, all while encouraging relaxation for more optimal rest and healing.
Does Massage Therapy Hurt?
Many people think of massages as either deep, and sometimes painful, or light and soothing. The myth of “no pain, no gain” might make some believe that a massage has to hurt to work and a softer touch won’t offer any substantial benefits. This is not true! At the Massage Matters Clinic, our massage therapists always customize your session to your unique concerns and preferences. Massage therapy is routinely prescribed and recommended by doctors and health professionals following a wide variety of procedures. We ask that you get clearance from your surgeon before scheduling your appointment, as the timing and specific approach can vary based on the type of surgery and your individual healing process. Post-surgery massage techniques are gentle and specifically designed to support your recovery without causing discomfort or irritation. We always start with a consultation and work with you to ensure a safe, comfortable, and rejuvenating experience.
Lymphatic Drainage Massages Help Post-Surgery Healing
Fluid retention and swelling are some of the most common side effects after surgery. Lymphatic drainage massages support your recovery by managing inflammation and scar tissue formation while boosting immune system functionality.
During your body’s natural inflammatory response, the lymphatic system transports lymphocytes and other immune cells to the damaged tissues. Sometimes, lymph fluid can accumulate faster than it drains, leading to uncomfortable swelling. This may cause numbness and restrict movement in your joints and limbs. By using light pressure and rhythmic movements, we stimulate blood circulation and clear lymph towards lymph nodes to help transport metabolic waste and excess fluids from tissues back into the circulatory system. Lymphatic drainage massage can be highly beneficial after plastic surgeries such as breast augmentations and body sculpting enhancements, as it can significantly reduce recovery time by minimizing swelling, bruising, and the risk of fluid build-up, seroma.
Lymphatic drainage massages are often included in post-operative care for surgical cancer treatments. For some cancer patients, the surgical removal of lymph nodes is a necessary part of the treatment. Cancer treatment radiation can damage lymph nodes, and these disruptions to the lymphatic system often result in lymphedema—the swelling caused by lymph buildup. Lymphatic drainage massage is recommended to help reduce lymph buildup and relieve swelling in soft tissues.
Post-Operative Pain Management & Stress Relief
Massage therapy is effective in reducing pain in both the short and long term, with analgesic effects particularly for patients recovering from Cesarean section surgery and cardiac surgery.
Some surgeries can leave patients with weakened muscles that do not function properly. For example, abdominal surgeries can lead to muscle inhibition, causing the back muscles to compensate and become strained. Furthermore, as scar tissue forms near the incisions, it may become rigid and form adhesions. Muscle inhibition, compensatory muscle movement, and the formation of scar tissue and adhesions can altogether lead to restricted movement, chronic pain, and muscular tension. Following cardiac surgery, patients may experience pain and tension in the shoulders, back, and neck, as well as strain in the pectoral muscle. Massage therapy can aid patients in regaining mobility and flexibility by realigning muscles, alleviating pain from overworked compensating muscles, and reducing the formation of scar tissue and adhesions during the healing process.
The experience of undergoing surgery and being in recovery can be very stressful. A restorative massage can be truly therapeutic in several ways. Massage therapy helps to lower stress hormones, such as cortisol, and encourages relaxation of the nervous system, along with the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This can be especially beneficial to patients who are experiencing anxiety or depression after an operation, as stress reduction and restful sleep are proven components of wound-healing, immunity, and mental well-being. Massage therapy naturally and holistically helps activate the parasympathetic system, enhancing your post-operative healing process.
Call us at the Massage Matters Clinic to learn more about the post-surgery recovery benefits of massage therapy and book your appointment with a certified massage therapist today.
Call Us Today: +17142423390
Email Us: https://massagemattersclinic.com/contact/
