How Massage After Surgery Helps You Heal
Our team of Registered Massage Therapists are here to help you relax, re-energize—and even heal! Find out the many benefits of regular massage therapy post-operation.
Treating yourself to well-deserved moments of relaxation is what we’re all about here at Elle Marie Spa. And regular massage therapy is just one of the ways that we recommend our clients ensure they get that consistent time for themselves each and every month.
But sometimes there’s a need for massage that goes beyond the “ooohs” and “ahhhs” of treating yourself. In particular, massage can be an essential part of an individual’s recovery from traumatic bodily experiences like surgery.
In this article, we'll cover the benefits of massage post-operation, and what to look for in a massage therapist when going through rehab after surgery.
How Does Massage Therapy Help After Surgery
Regardless of which type of massage you get, there are always benefits. For example, you can choose a Swedish massage and experience tension relief, alongside deep relaxation. Or, if you’re looking for support with lowering your blood pressure or rehabilitating an injury, you may opt for a deep-tissue massage.
Learn more about how massage can help with stress relief by reading our blog article: The Best Massages for Stress Relief.
That said, there are also specific benefits to getting massage therapy after you’ve undergone an operation.
Benefits of Massage After Surgery
Post-op massages focus on improving blood flow to your incision area. In massaging this tissue, your therapist helps increase your circulation and relax your affected muscles and tissue. It also helps bring nutrients to the site, helping your body heal faster.
Below is a list of some of the most common benefits of receiving massage therapy after surgery.
Post-op massage helps:
- Improve blood flow to incision area
- Reduce swelling and pain
- Strengthen your immune system
- Break up and prevent scar tissue
- Promote relaxation and improve mood
- Increase mobility and strength
What to Know Before You Book a Post-Op Massage
While there are many spas that offer amazing relaxation massages, it’s important that you book any post-op therapy with a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Ensuring that your therapist has the proper training for this type of massage will help ensure that your recovery goes as quickly and smoothly as possible.
It’s also important that you don’t book your appointment for a massage too soon after your surgery. This could be anywhere between one-to-six weeks post-operation, depending on the type of surgery you’ve had. That said, it’s always best to discuss your specific situation with your doctor in order to determine the best and safest schedule for your massage therapy.
Another question to ask before you book is whether or not your therapist is skilled in lymphatic-drainage massage. This type of therapy is a specific technique that focuses on relieving swelling and improving blood circulation. It’s one of the best known ways to help heal incision sites.
Does Elle Marie Spa Offer Lymphatic-Drainage Massage?
Yes! Our team of professional RMTs at Elle Marie Spa are trained in lymphatic-drainage massage, and are ready to help you on your way to healing!