Post-Surgical Massage Benefits

Did you know every year in the United States over 52 million surgeries are performed? Americans undergo an average of 9.2 surgical procedures (3.4 inpatient operations, 2.6 outpatient operations, and 3.2 non-operating room invasive procedures) per lifetime. Having surgery can be a scary experience whether it is major or not. Luckily with advances in medical technology, surgeries have a lot less risk and have success rates of 91% or higher depending on the risk level of the surgery itself. When undergoing a surgical procedure the most important part is the recovery.

Massage therapy for rehabilitation after surgery has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Massage can foster healing within the body after it has experienced the trauma of surgery. It is known to bring back essential nutrients and blood to the areas operated on in surgery. Perhaps most importantly, receiving massage after surgery can decrease the buildup of scar tissue. Read on to find out exactly why a receiving a massage after 

Benefits of Post-Surgical Massage:

Before and after
  1. Prevent Swelling - Swelling is natural after an injury or surgery. The lymphatic drainage massage is especially effective to prevent swelling from happening. It helps keep the lymphatic drainage system in order by clearing fluid cellular wastes which are clogged up and are causing the swelling. Massage can help ease the swelling by relaxing the muscles and ensure proper blood circulation.

  2. Reduce or Relieve Pain - Massage can have amazing painkilling abilities. In addition to stopping swelling in its tracks, massage is particularly good at relieving any type of pain the body may be experiencing after surgery. 

  3. Prevent Scar Tissue -  Massage ensures prevention against scar tissue buildup by increasing the amount of blood and nutrients to the affected areas. When proper blood circulation and essential nutrients are brought to this area it encourages soft tissue repair and discourages the build up of scar tissue.

  4. Promote Flexibility and Mobility - After surgery it is critical that natural movement is reinforced into the body parts affected by the surgical trauma. Massage is a great solution to help regain joint movement and flexibility within the body.

  5. Boosts the Immune System - Relaxed muscles stimulate oxygen supply to the organs and skin which, in its turn, strengthens the immune system and prevents infections.

  6. Increases Blood and Oxygen Flow - Massage improves circulation and gives the blood more oxygen. When recovering from surgery it is beneficial to have healthy and improved circulation in order to help encourage faster healing.

Deep tissue massage

Massage speeds up the overall healing process by helping to eliminate the buildup of toxins that occur after surgery and increasing the circulation of blood to the area that brings nutrients to both the skin and its underlying layers of tissue. By accelerating the healing process, these advancements will minimize downtime and you will be able to return to work and your daily routines quicker, looking and feeling even better than before. If you are scheduled for a surgery, book an appointment at Holistic Massotherapy and Wellness today to be sure you are doing everything necessary to take care of your mind, body, and spirit. While you’re there you may as well book one before your surgery too, as the benefits can be enjoyed anytime, not just when surgery has taken place.