Why is remedial massage good for Reconstructive surgery?
After any surgery the body is exposed to trauma in the joints, muscles, and tissues.
Post-operative massage improves the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body allowing for increased oxygenation of the body’s tissues and organs and reduction of swelling and stiffness. It allows patients to heal faster and feel supported throughout their recovery. The integration of massage therapy after surgery has a great psychological benefit as well. It provides a compassionate and tender form of therapy while the patient is in the healing state.
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There are several benefits to post-operative massage therapy:
Reduction of inflammation
Lymphatic drainage massage mimics the pulse and flow within the lymph system. It helps to move stagnant fluids out of interstitial body tissue and into lymphatic vessels, thus both reducing the edema and stimulating the immune system.
Eases pain
The anticipated pain after plastic surgery may cause anxiety in people having the procedure. For the most part, the doctor will prescribe anti-pain medication for the days immediately following the procedure. Started a few weeks after surgery, massage has been shown to interfere with the pain receptor signals to the brain.
Quicker recovery time
Massage speeds up the overall healing process by helping to eliminate the build-up of toxins that occur after plastic surgery and increasing the circulation of blood to the area that brings nutrients to both the skin and its underlying layers of tissue. By encouraging a healthier blood flow, massage can help to return nourishment and flexibility to the affected area. Massage therapy also helps build up the immune system, thus helping to speed up the overall healing process.
Reduces scarring
Part of the body’s own healing process is to protect an injured site from further harm. This results in an increased production of collagen fibres which, if over produced, form highly visible hypertrophic or keloid scars. Massage therapy done locally on newly healed scar tissue can reduce and soften this build-up of tough fibrous tissue. Collagen will soften using warmth resulting from touch therapies.
By accelerating the healing process, these advancements will minimize and patients will return to work and their daily routines quicker, looking and feeling even better than before. Make sure you discuss with your surgeon, any treatment options beforehand. Post-operative massage should not be part of any recovery treatment until you receive clearance from your doctor.
Remedial massage helps with all aspects of life and injuries. Don’t let yourself miss an opportunity to get your body back on track!
