Post-Op Massage

Post-Op (Post-operative) massage includes a series of massage styles, that range from gentle to firmer techniques, to increase blood flow and promote recovery by targeting the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps process waste and absorbs fluids. It is an intricate system that is wrapped around vessels throughout the body collecting straggler cells.  The lymphatic system picks up toxins, along with the immune system, and sends them to the liver for processing.  The viable cells are then returned to the heart and the waste matter is later excreted from the body.  However, during major surgery, the lymphatic system is compromised for 2-3 months allowing the fluid that pools within the skin layers to linger.  After surgery, these fluids can harden, which is often painful.

Massage plays an important role as a supplement to standard rehabilitation procedures after surgery.  Clients that do not receive post-op massage treatments heal slower and usually have more complications.  Post-op massages help clients heal faster, get rid of inflammation and post-op fluid quicker, and help mold the body to heal with a more natural look by breaking down scar tissue, manually detox the body while the lymphatic system heals, and improve circulation.  By increasing circulation while relaxing the muscles, post-op massage helps the body pump more oxygen & nutrients into vital organs.

While all procedures will benefit from some form of post-op massage, the massage schedule differs depending on the type of procedure.  However, the faster you heal, the less sessions your body may require.  Aside from a tummy tuck, post-op massages should start day 1 post-op (the day after surgery).  If you had a tummy tuck, then massages should start day 7 post-op.*

*For more information, check out our FAQs or send us an email with any questions you may have – amtmassagetherapy@yahoo.com.