Is it safe to get massage after surgery?
Is It Safe to Receive a Massage After Surgery? A Guide from Bloom Bodywork Co. in Portland, Oregon
Undergoing surgery is a significant event for your body, and the recovery process can be both physically and emotionally challenging. Many people wonder whether it’s safe to receive a massage after surgery and how it might aid in their recovery. At Bloom Bodywork Co. in Portland, we are dedicated to providing safe and effective massage therapy and bodywork that support your healing journey with the nervous system in mind!
Is Post-Surgery Massage Safe?
Yes, massage can be safe after surgery, but timing and the type of massage are crucial factors to consider. It’s essential to work with a licensed massage therapist who is experienced in post-operative care and who can customize the massage to meet your specific needs. At Bloom Bodywork Co., our therapists are trained to use gentle techniques that promote healing without compromising your recovery.
Benefits of Post-Surgery Massage
Receiving a massage after surgery offers several benefits that can accelerate your healing process and enhance your overall well-being:
Reduced Swelling: Massage can help stimulate lymphatic drainage, reducing post-surgical swelling and preventing lymphedema. This is particularly important after surgeries that involve lymph node removal or areas prone to fluid retention.
Pain Relief: By gently massaging around the surgical site, massage therapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort, reducing the need for pain medications. Techniques such as lymphatic drainage or light Swedish massage can be particularly effective.
Improved Circulation: Enhanced blood flow from massage promotes faster healing by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, helping to reduce the risk of complications and speeding up recovery time.
Scar Tissue Management: Over time, massage can help break down scar tissue, improving mobility and reducing the appearance of scars. However, this should be done only after the surgical wound has completely healed, and under the guidance of a professional.
Stress Reduction: Surgery can be a stressful experience, and massage provides a calming environment that helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is essential for recovery. At Bloom we specialize in nervous system support and can help bring you back into rest and digest mode.
When Is It Safe to Start Massage After Surgery?
The timing for when you can safely start receiving massage therapy after surgery varies depending on the type of surgery you had, your overall health, and your doctor's recommendations. Generally, it’s advisable to wait until the initial healing phase is complete—usually around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery—before beginning massage therapy, however it can be sooner.
Please consult with your surgeon before starting any massage therapy post-surgery to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for your specific situation. The massage therapist will require a doctors note to start your care.
What to Expect During a Post-Surgery Massage
At Bloom Bodywork Co., our approach to post-surgery massage is gentle and personalized. During your session, your therapist will focus on areas of the body that are safe to massage, avoiding the surgical site directly until it’s fully healed. Techniques such as lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, acupressure and myofascial release may be used to promote healing, reduce pain, and enhance relaxation.
If you’re recovering from surgery and considering massage therapy as part of your healing process, the experienced therapists at Bloom Bodywork Co. are here to support you. We offer specialized post-surgery massage services in Portland, Oregon, tailored to your unique needs to help you recover safely and effectively.
Schedule your appointment today to experience the healing benefits of massage in a safe, nurturing environment. To schedule please go to this link and schedule a 90 minute or 2 hour therapeutic massage session. Follow us on socials @sophiesomatics to learn more about our approach to bodywork.
