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The Role of Massage Therapy in Post-Surgery Recovery: Benefits & Techniques

Long before modern medical advancements, massage therapy was a primary method of healing. Regardless of its seriousness, surgery often results in discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility during recovery. Recognizing these challenges, medical professionals or surgeons now include massage therapy in their postoperative care plans to ease these symptoms and speed up your recovery. 

In this blog, we will discuss why massage therapy in Winnipeg is really important to alleviate pain. We will also provide insights into how different massage therapies can help and when you can start these therapies. So, let’s discuss it in detail!

Why Are Massages After Surgery Important?

Recovery after surgery can be the toughest part of any medical procedure. Each person’s experience is different—while some may bounce back quickly and painlessly, others may face prolonged pain and slow recovery. This is where massage therapy plays an essential role. Here are some important benefits of massage therapy in Winnipeg:

  • Accelerated Healing: Therapeutic massage therapy can help you with improved blood flow that enhances the delivery of nutrients & oxygen throughout your body. This not only helps in nourishing the surgical area but also shortens the overall healing time.
  • Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Surgical procedures can induce significant stress and anxiety, which can result in increased pain. Massage helps soothe the nervous system during these critical times, offering a calming effect that eases the mind after surgery.
  • Scar Tissue Prevention: Regular massage post-surgery has been shown to effectively break down existing scar tissue and inhibit the development of excessive scar tissue, both internally (adhesions) and externally (on the skin).
  • Pain Management: Massage therapy possesses significant pain-relieving abilities. It works by reducing the pressure of lymph fluid around nerves, alleviating pain and discomfort. This effect may also decrease the need for pain medications, helping patients manage their recovery more naturally.
  • Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility: After surgeries that require prolonged rest or immobility, massage is crucial in improving the flexibility & mobility of muscles and joints. It stimulates neuromuscular function, which is vital in speeding up recovery, even for patients who are still immobile.
  • Immune System Boost: Massage therapy has been found to increase white blood cell count, which is important in defending the body against infections. Additionally, it reduces inflammation and the body’s stress hormone responses, which can positively affect postoperative recovery.
  • Improved Mood: Massage therapy not only helps the body but also has big benefits for the mind. It increases dopamine and serotonin levels, which make you feel good, helping people handle stress and pain better during recovery.

[Note: Massage therapy often becomes essential for older adults after surgery. According to Statistics Canada, people aged 65 and older are expected to make up 23% of the population by 2030. This statistic underscores the growing importance of massage therapy for the aging population.]

What Are the Types of Massage Techniques Used for Post-Surgery Recovery?

There are different massage techniques specifically used for post-surgical patients. Here are a few commonly used methods:

Myofascial Release

Therapists use myofascial release to focus on relieving tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Post-surgical patients often experience restrictions in movement due to tight fascia. A massage therapist in Winnipeg will use sustained pressure to gently stretch and release these tissues, improving flexibility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall movement. This technique is particularly advantageous for people who are experiencing stiffness or limited mobility after surgery.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A therapist trained in lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the functionality of the lymphatic system. This massage technique is particularly beneficial for post-surgery patients who experience swelling or edema, as it helps to reduce fluid buildup and promotes detoxification. By encouraging the natural movement of lymph fluids, the therapist can help decrease swelling, speed up the healing process, and enhance the immune system’s function.

Deep Tissue Massage

This massage technique is ideal for patients recovering from surgery who need to address deep-seated muscle tension and scar tissue formation. A skilled therapist will apply firm pressure to target the muscle’s deeper layers and connective tissue, helping to break down scar tissue, relieve chronic tension, and improve overall mobility. 

Scar Tissue Massage

This is a specialized technique therapists use to address the formation of adhesions and restrictive scar tissue. After surgery, scar tissue can become thick and inflexible, impeding movement and causing discomfort. A massage therapist in Winnipeg will use specific massage techniques to break down these adhesions, improve the scar appearance, and prevent the formation of restrictive scar tissue. 

When to Start Massage Therapy After Surgery?

While relaxation massage therapy can significantly enhance post-surgery recovery, it’s vital to observe certain precautions to ensure an effective healing process:

  • Always seek approval from your surgeon or healthcare provider before initiating massage therapy in Winnipeg. They can tell you the appropriate timing and massage techniques based on your specific surgery and healing progress.
  • It’s important to choose a massage therapist who is well-versed in post-surgical care. The therapist should be experienced and knowledgeable about your particular surgery, understanding your recovery’s limitations and specific needs.
  • Ensure you keep your therapist fully informed about your healing journey. Share details about your pain levels, any progress in your healing, and any discomfort experienced during the massage session. This open communication will help tailor the therapy to your current condition.
  • Direct massage over recent surgical sites should be strictly avoided until those areas fully heal. This precaution helps prevent complications such as reopening the incision or infection, ensuring a safer recovery process.

Conclusion

Massage therapy in Winnipeg is a crucial aspect of recovery after surgery, offering several health advantages that can significantly improve the healing process. This therapy helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and prevent scar tissue formation, which are just some of the ways massage can help patients recover faster. By using specific massage techniques like lymphatic drainage and deep tissue massage, patients experience reduced scar formation and improved circulatory health. If you’re considering post-surgical rehab options, including massage therapy, now is the perfect time to contact our experts at Bridgwater Physiotherapy. Our team is ready to collaborate with you and your healthcare providers to deliver the thorough care necessary for your recovery after surgery. Contact Us Today!