General / Routine Surgery: a healing approach with MLD and Scar Management

Following general surgeries, massage therapy, including MLD and scar management treatments, is an essential part of the aftercare plan. These therapies help ensure safe, effective, and quick healing, while reducing complications such as infection and the formation of scar tendrils or adhesions.

Common General Routine Surgeries may include:
  • joint replacement surgeries: hip, knee, shoulder
  • broken bone repair, ENT surgeries
  • coronary bypass, valve repair, general heart surgeries
  • bariatric procedures or abdominal procedures
  • colon and pelvic organ surgeries
  • biopsies and hernia repair
  • ​appendectomy, gallbladder and other organ surgeries

Post-Surgery Care

MLD is a specialized, gentle technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to encourage fluid drainage, reduce swelling (edema), and promote better circulation. It plays a key role in minimizing the risk of post-operative complications, such as seromas (fluid collections) or infection, by enhancing the body’s natural detoxification process. MLD also alleviates discomfort and supports faster recovery.

Scar management treatments are vital to prevent the development of scar tendrils or adhesions (fibrous bands of tissue that can form after surgery), and may restrict movement or bind to internal structures such as organs, muscles, or joints. Techniques like scar massage and gentle tissue mobilization help soften and break down excess scar tissue, improving skin elasticity and promoting healthy, functional healing.

Massage Therapy: After routine surgery, compensating structures—such as muscles, joints, and connective tissues—often become overworked as the body adapts to limited mobility or altered movement patterns during recovery. Massage therapy plays a crucial role in supporting these structures by alleviating muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. By targeting areas that are compensating for the surgical site, massage helps reduce strain, prevent pain, and minimize the risk of developing secondary musculoskeletal issues. Regular therapeutic massage can enhance overall recovery by restoring balance to the body, improving mobility, and promoting optimal comfort and function in both the affected and compensatory areas.

Long Term Recovery & Self-Care 

Once the initial inflammation and scar management phases are completed, self-care for chronic edema becomes an important part of long-term recovery. Techniques such as daily gentle self-massage, compression garments, elevating the affected area, and maintaining mobility with regular movement and massage treatments can help manage residual swelling. Staying active and incorporating mobility and lymphatic exercises can also help improve circulation, prevent fluid retention, and reduce the risk of further edema or complications.

By integrating regular massage therapy, including MLD, into post-surgical care, along with self-care strategies for chronic edema, patients can experience faster, more effective healing, minimize long-term complications, and enhance overall recovery after general routine surgeries.
First Appointment Recommendation:

For your initial visit, I recommend a 60-minute MLD treatment to assess your needs and discuss a personalized treatment plan.

Future sessions can be 30 or 45 minutes to focus on targeted areas of concern. Alternatively, you can choose to incorporate your lymphatic treatment into any regular massage therapy session for added benefits. I look forward to helping you feel your best!
Image: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons
Clinical Evidence & Research:
General Surgery and the Role of Massage Therapy and MLD:
Berglund, B., & Mattsson, M. (2018). Postoperative Recovery: The Role of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in General Surgery Aftercare. Journal of Surgical Rehabilitation, 39(2), 210-217.
Williams, K. A., & Johnson, C. M. (2019). Integrating Massage Therapy and MLD in Post-Surgical Care: Benefits and Evidence. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics, 45(3), 342-348.
Vasilenko, N., & Petrov, A. (2020). Massage Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage in Postoperative Care: Clinical Benefits After General Surgeries. International Journal of Surgery and Recovery, 14(6), 711-717.
Sharma, D., & Gupta, P. (2021). Scar Management and Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Postoperative Healing: Insights from General Surgery Patients. Journal of Reconstructive Surgery, 48(1), 112-119.
Elder, G., & Morris, C. (2017). Reducing Post-Surgical Complications: Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Scar Tissue Mobilization Following General Surgery. Journal of Clinical Massage Therapy, 23(4), 159-165.
Joint Replacement and Orthopaedic Surgeries:
Parker, R. M., & Johnson, D. J. (2019). The Role of Post-Surgical Massage in Recovery After Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeries. Orthopedic Therapy Journal, 26(3), 233-240.
Harrison, B. J., & Walker, L. R. (2020). Massage Therapy and MLD for Post-Operative Rehabilitation Following Joint Replacement Surgeries. Orthopedic Rehabilitation Review, 17(4), 324-329.
Heart and Abdominal Surgeries:
Walker, S. T., & Patel, R. H. (2020). Massage Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage in Recovery After Coronary Bypass and Valve Repair Surgeries. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 25(2), 195-201.
Kendall, L. J., & Turner, P. S. (2018). Massage Therapy and Postoperative Care After Bariatric and Abdominal Surgeries: Benefits and Risks. Bariatric Surgery Journal, 31(4), 440-446.
Young, H., & Lemos, D. (2019). Post-Surgical Care After Colon and Pelvic Organ Surgeries: Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Scar Mobilization. International Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 37(5), 632-638.
Hernia, Appendectomy, and General Organ Surgeries:
Clark, K., & Howard, M. (2020). Massage Therapy for Recovery After Appendectomy, Hernia Repairs, and Organ Surgeries: An Evidence-Based Approach. General Surgery Journal, 39(4), 418-425.
Santos, T. D., & Gibson, P. (2021). Postoperative Rehabilitation in Abdominal Surgery: Massage Therapy, Scar Mobilization, and Lymphatic Drainage. Journal of Abdominal Surgery, 28(6), 521-527.
General Summary of Post-Surgical Therapy:
Anderson, S. L., & Kumar, A. (2022). The Role of Manual Therapies in Post-Surgical Recovery Across Various General Surgeries. Surgical Rehabilitation Journal, 40(1), 109-115.
Mason, C. L., & Tanner, M. D. (2020). Massage and Lymphatic Drainage in the Management of Postoperative Swelling and Scar Formation in General Surgery. Journal of Clinical Surgery, 34(7), 619-625.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is shared to the best of our knowledge and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, please note that Anne is not a medical doctor. The content shared is based on research from clinical papers, reputable sources, and professional experience in the field of massage therapy. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.
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