The healing soothing hands of a massage therapist are not just sought for relaxation, but instead is being used as a natural approach to healing and recovering. There is an increasing number of post-operative patients that are seeking the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy in their recovery process. But what is truly behind this ever growing trend? How does a massage really aid post-operative recovery? Massage Miami Beach would like to share a bit more.
Physical Trauma of Surgery
Regardless of the type of surgery, whether it is a minor outpatient procedure or a major operation, the body will experience a certain level trauma. This trauma often leads to inflammation, swelling, and pain, sometimes limiting mobility and hindering the recovery process. And this is where massage therapy comes to the rescue.
What are the Benefits of Postoperative Massage?
- Reduction in Swelling and Edema: One of the primary reasons post-operative patients turn to massage is its effectiveness in reducing swelling and edema. Edema is a when tiny blood vessels leak fluid which contributes to the swelling. With the gentle strokes or manipulation, massages can promote circulation and promote the drainage of the accumulated fluids especially in surgical sites.
- Pain Reduction: The body’s natural response to surgery is pain. Both the pain from the surgery and the inflammation, massage therapy can act as a natural painkiller. It does this by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Massage therapy can also disrupt the pain signals sent to the brain.
- Increased Movement and Motion: Surgeries, especially those related to joints, can lead to stiffness and a limited range of movement and motion. Techniques such as myofascial release and gentle stretching in massage therapy can help restore this motion, allowing patients to regain function much quicker.
- Scar Tissue Reduction: As wounds heal, scar tissue forms, a scar can become very rigid and less stretchy than the rest of the surrounding skin. Massages, especially in the case of deep tissue techniques, can soften and reduce this scar tissue, and help to improve the skin’s elasticity and even reduce scar appearance.
- Stress Reduction: Undergoing any surgery is not just physically straining, it also effects your mentally. Massages are great for relaxation, which can lower cortisol levels which is the stress hormone. Massages ensures that the body is in the best possible state for healing.
Choosing the Right Time & Kind of Massage
It is essential to know that while a massage has a number of benefits post-surgery, timing is important. Patients should always talk with their doctor before they start massage therapy. Starting too soon or too late can each have its own consequences. Once given the green light, it’s also equally important to choose a licensed massage therapist trained in post-operative care. The therapist can provide guidance on the most suitable type of massage, ensuring that it aligns with the recovery and your individual needs. When it comes to Post-operative care, massage therapy is an ideal avenue to aid in your recovery. By seeking a natural, non-invasive method for pain management, you’ll receive reduction in swelling, and improved physical functionality.
Massage Therapy & More in Greater Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, Brickell, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Kendall, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines & Hollywood, FL
It is no wonder why more and more post-operative patients are seeking the healing touch of a massage for a smoother, faster recovery journey. If you want to see if massage therapy can help you, contact Massage Miami Beach today.