Post-Operative Treatments:  lymphatic drainage, cupping, gua sha, mobility

One of the side effects of surgery (including cosmetic) is swelling. This is a normal inflammatory response and a part of the healing process as fluid rushes to the area to nourish it with white blood cells. Body procedures, particularly abdominoplasty (tummy tucks), liposuction, breast surgery and facial procedures, often cause additional swelling as excess fluid and fat cells will harden within a few weeks of surgery. MLD is not only for post cosmetic surgeries, but good for any swelling caused by injury, casts, immobility or surgery. ​

What does treatment look like?

Treatment can look different for each patient and caters to their needs from their particular surgery.

An assessment and update will be done prior to each treatment, a full-body lymphatic pump protocol will be performed, and then the treatment plan will follow as directed by the patient, their surgeon/healthcare professional, and how the tissues are presenting on the day of the treatment. Lymphatic drainage will be performed, scar tissue treatment and soft tissue work on compensating structures may also be included if deemed necessary.

MLD and massage, and possibly cupping and/or gua sha treatments may be included in the session.

Why is early treatment important to recovery?

Manual lymphatic drainage massage helps to move the fluid that’s built up and allows it to move back into the lymphatic passages where excess waste and fluid can be flushed from the body. This helps to prevent fibrosis, which is the development of thick, fibrous scar tissue under the skin AND it reduces swelling and bruising. Many doctors highly recommend lymphatic drainage after surgery for both their patients’ comfort and quick healing, as well as to aid them in getting the best possible results after their procedure.

Reducing inflammation, and mobilizing the lymphatic system, aids in quicker recovery time and less bruising.

As the healing progresses after surgery, flash cupping and gentle gua sha techniques can be incorporated into treatment with movement and mobilization techniques to the affected and compensating structures. This aids in continued strong recovery, including lessening and softening scar tissues. 

I am excited to offer a post surgery massage protocol, utilizing these tools and techniques to improve recovery and to help patients to look and feel their best more quickly.

Check in with your doctor to see if they recommend Lymphatic Drainage as part of your wellness and recovery plan.

Benefits of Post-Operative Treatments

In the treatment, a combination of massage, lymphatic drainage, mobility movements, cupping and gua sha may be used. Treatment plan will be discussed with the patient prior to each session.

Some benefits of post-operative massage may include:
  • decrease in inflammation
  • quicker healing times
  • reduction in musculoskeletal pain
  • improved circulation (blood and lymph)
  • improved scar tissue mobility and less thickening
  • better sleep
  • decrease levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and blood glucose levels. This reduction in stress may boost the immune system.​
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Anne the RMT

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relax. massage therapy
83 Farm Street
Almonte, ON K0A 1A0
relaxmassagegroup.com