Post-surgical rehabilitation

Post-operative massage is a gentle form of the skill.  Its goal is to increase blood flow.  After surgery lymphatic fluids can become sluggish or even hard.  Gentle post-op massage as practiced by RMT Ottawa mobile therapists stimulate the system to process any wastes that are accumulating.  With increased blood flow, those wastes are carried off through the system.

An additional benefit is that the gentle strokes of therapeutic massage has been known to reduce the scarring associated with surgery and will ease the discomfort.

• Soft Tissue – The increased circulation provided by massage will increase the availability of nutrients necessary for the successful healing of the area.  It generally also shortens the healing period by a bit.
• Scar Tissue – When the mobile massage therapist uses the proper technique to relax muscles, they become more elastic and this flexibility helps reduce the amount of scar tissue and promote healing.
• Shorter Healing Period – With greater blood flow, oxygen is better able to reach not only the affected area but will help with all the vital organs and tissues.

There are several options for post-surgical massage.  The choice will depend on the type of surgery and the degree of discomfort.

• Lymphatic Drainage – Post operation, lymph nodes become enlarged with fluid as they are part of the immune system.  This can result in some discomfort and proper massage can help dissipate the excess fluid.
• Transverse Friction – This is a specialized massage that uses careful pressure to a specific area of the body.  The result is a reduction in the scar tissue formed from the surgery.  With less scar tissue, the client frequently feels less discomfort.

As you can guess, there are always precautions that should be taken when working with a post-surgical client.  At RMT Ottawa we suggest that the client discuss our mobile massage therapy with their surgeon and possibly their family physician.  The client, doctor, and therapist will jointly decide the most appropriate time to start the therapy.

Further, it is important that the client be forthcoming about the degree of pain and areas of inflammation.  Too much therapy, or too soon, can actually impede progress toward normal living.  It is our goal to provide the most beneficial service to the patient.

If you are anticipating a surgical procedure, be sure to discuss therapeutic massage with your team.  At RMT Ottawa we are happy to be a part of your recovery and will work with you and your caregivers to provide the best and most appropriate service possible.  Contact us prior to the scheduled procedure, or after you have come home from the hospital.  We will be happy to answer all your questions or address any concerns.