Massage after surgery Part 2 – Kayla MaGee
Massage after surgery Part 2 – Kayla MaGee
For many people, getting out of the house to go for a massage is just too much of a hassle or is not possible. Some clients are just very uncomfortable with the idea of having a massage during the healing process.
If you are really uncomfortable with the idea of getting a massage during your healing process after surgery, or simply cannot come in, there are some things you can do on your own as well.
You can do self massage, which is simply massaging any areas that are bothering you. You can do this either manually or in an area that is not easily accessible. You can use a tennis ball placed on the area; leaning against a wall or floor, move your body to allow the ball to massage the muscles.
Muscle setting is also a great way to keep the muscles in the affected area from losing mobility. Simply contract the muscle and hold it in the contraction for several seconds and repeat five to fifteen times. Doing this a couple of times a day will help reduce any loss in strength in that area.
Once the surgery site is all healed, most people look down at the area and think “Wow! This is going to scar pretty bad.” You don’t need to think that way though. Massaging the area where scar tissue resides can break it up and reduce the appearance greatly. The massage therapist will start with lighter techniques, just stretching and kneading the scar to get you used to the feeling of having it touched. Once you have become accustom to the feeling of having your scar worked on, the RMT will begin doing slightly more aggressive techniques such as friction therapy.
Friction therapy consists of vigorous rubbing techniques, somewhat like erasing something using the end eraser on a pencil. This is done for several seconds up to two minutes, to begin with. Followed by light flushing techniques, the process is repeated several times, and is then finished by placing ice on the area to numb it. The whole process may start out as being only five minutes; it can go up to fifteen. Other techniques would be incorporated as well.
We know it can be quite some time before you’re comfortable with yourself after having surgery, as well as getting comfortable enough to leave the house and expose yourself after surgery, I hope you’ve learned the importance of massage after surgery!
If you have any questions on the subject feel free to call in to Adica Massage Clinic at 455-1050, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have or book you in for a massage. We offer a variety of different massage types including: therapeutic massage, sport massage, couple’s massage and even pregnancy massage.