Massage has earned a reputation for being a once-in-a-while treat. But it can also be an essential part of your surgery recovery. More physicians are starting to add lymphatic massage to their patients’ post-op care regimen, and for good reason: it’s been shown to speed up healing, reduce pain, and help you get back on your feet faster.
Let’s explore the benefits of lymphatic massage after surgery and why it should be part of your recovery care:
What is Lymphatic Massage?
Your body’s lymphatic system is comprised of a series of channels that run to the lymph nodes. Its job is to help the body rid itself of waste and toxins, as well as help the body fight infection.
The problem is that fluids can build up in the lymphatic system and prevents the body from cleansing itself. Lymphatic massage helps to reduce this possibility by stimulating the lymphatic system and keeping things moving. Massage techniques push lymph through the body so that your body can continue healing from surgery.
Benefits of a Post-Surgery Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage is a form of manual lymph draining. It’s different from regular massage in that it uses long, wave-like strokes that open and close lymphatic channels.
Your body has a natural rhythm in using its lymphatic system. However, when the body experiences stress, such as a major surgery, the lymphatic system can slow down and become less effective. When this happens, you might experience swelling, slower healing, or pain related to the swelling.
Manual lymphatic massages help to “reignite” the lymphatic system. This creates a number of benefits, including:
● More efficient healing from surgery
● Less chance of developing scarring due to faster healing
● Removing excess water and waste from the body
● Reduced swelling and related pain
● Improved skin quality
● Relaxation
These benefits come with lymphatic massage regardless of the type of surgery you receive. It might be a serious knee replacement ordered by your doctor, cesarean birth or it could be an elective cosmetic surgery. Either way, your body can restore itself and recover faster when it’s able to function as nature intended.
Schedule a Lymphatic Massage in San Diego
Manual lymphatic drainage decreases the congestion of your body’s tissues, allowing lymph to be directed where it needs to go even when your body is under stress. Ideally, you will start a lymphatic massage regimen within two weeks after your procedure.
As with any type of massage, expertise is essential to get the best outcome. We invite you to give us a call to learn more about lymphatic massage benefits after surgery and how it can help you get back to life faster. We also have lymphatic massage catering to pregnant bodies and mamas who had a belly birth via cesarean.