Allied Health Service – Massage Therapy
Pre- and post-surgery massage therapy has many benefits that include pain relief, improved circulation, and helping to reduce stress and anxiety related to surgery. It can also help manage swelling, improve mobility, and aid in minimizing scar tissue.
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Massage therapy can help prepare your body so it is in the best condition possible going into surgery. By improving function prior to surgery, you can optimize recovery and reduce post-operative challenges.
Benefits
It is recommended to incorporate weekly massage therapy treatments in the 4 weeks prior to surgery for best results.
You don’t need to wait to receive massage therapy after surgery. As soon as you feel comfortable and able to get onto a massage table there are ways in which massage can be incorporated into your recovery. Treatment techniques and positioning on the table can be adjusted for your comfort.
Benefits
It is recommended to incorporate weekly massage for the first 4 – 6 weeks after surgery.
While everyone progresses in healing at different rates depending on the complexity of their situation and individual biology, here is a general guideline on how massage can help with each phase of healing.
Goals: Manage Pain & Swelling
Massage and other touch therapies are known to help with management of pain which decreases the need for pain medication.
Since you aren’t able to move the surgical area much, the body’s natural pump system is hindered, reducing circulation to the area. The mechanical pumping action of massage helps to support circulation by clearing out pooled blood and excess fluid in the tissue. This allows fresh blood into the area providing nourishment for healing.
Massage of the tissue helps to stimulate the muscles, helping to reduce muscle atrophy and inhibition until you are able to do more active movement. Adding in isometric muscle contraction aids in decreasing post-surgical muscle inhibition particularly in the quads if you’ve had knee surgery.
Massage at this time is generally quite gentle keeping within pain tolerance. We would also avoid the area around incisions to reduce the risk of infection.
Goals: Regain Range of Motion and Activities of Daily Living
While most of your recovery will be focused on physiotherapy at this time, massage can still be a great addition.
We continue with pain and swelling management using lymphatic and circulatory techniques. In addition, we may add in more range of motion techniques such as stretching and isometric contractions to reactivate muscles. Often more movement and range of motion is created when a body part is taken through passive range of motion then what can be achieved with active range of motion. This helps to regain full range of motion.
In addition, movement and massage techniques at this phase help to reduce adhesions and scar tissue.
Goals: Strength and Stability
This phase focuses on regaining your muscle strength and stability to return to activities and sport. Massage can be beneficial throughout this phase and beyond by supporting rehabilitation, easing muscle fatigue, and management of any continued compensation occurring until you are able to use both sides equally.
How do I choose a massage therapist?
You can ask the massage therapist about their training, skills, and techniques used for this type of massage therapy. Some beneficial techniques that can be used in pre- & post-surgical care include lymphatic drainage, trigger point release, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, and assisted stretching. It can also be helpful to discuss their treatment plan for your specific needs.
Are there specific instructions I should discuss with my massage therapist?
You should let them know the type of surgery you had and when it was, as well as any concerns you might have.
It is also important to give them feedback on how the treatment is feeling and if you feel any discomfort or pain. The treatment may be uncomfortable at times, but should always be within your pain tolerance. You may feel some soreness in the day or 2 after a massage, but this should be mild and ease soon. If you feel like the treatment was too intense or you experienced a lot of pain and irritation afterward, it is important to let your practitioner know. They can adjust the next treatment to your body’s need and tolerance.
If I had knee surgery, is the massage only for the quads or should they also massage the calf?
Massage will include the entire leg, except the area directly over the incision to reduce the risk of infection.
How often should I get massage?
It is recommended that you incorporate weekly massages in the 4-weeks prior to surgery and the first 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Is there anything to avoid with massage?
In short, with the exception of complications such as infection, massage can be safely performed by a practitioner knowledgeable in post-surgical care. Consideration of the specific type of surgery that was performed will guide the practitioner in their choice of technique and how they apply it. After surgery, the massage therapist employs gentler strokes, careful pressure application, and specific techniques designed to address post-surgical challenges.
Here are some general rules-of-thumb the massage therapist will take into consideration:
Should I bring my surgical report to my appointment?
If you have a copy of your surgical report, bring it with you. It can be helpful to your practitioner to see the details of what procedures you had done and can be helpful for yourself to remember discussions you have had with your surgeon.
Our registered massage therapist, Michelle, has undertaken specific training in pre- and post-surgical massage. She also offers a 15-minute complimentary phone or in-person consult where you can discuss if massage is right for you.
To book, call 403 760 2897 ext 3 or book online here.
No referral is needed.
Michelle is also a recognized service provider by insurance companies and can direct bill for most.