Did you undergo surgery recently and now experience soreness, inflammations, or pain? You may have considered an orthopaedic massage such as deep tissue to soothing the pains. However is deep tissue massage safe after surgery?
According to a group of massage therapists, relaxation massages are of immense benefit to accelerating the healing process after surgery and also reduce pains and soreness.
Administering a massage after surgery can positively impact on speeding up the process of healing, and break down tissues around incision scar.
However, to massage the area of the incision, it is advisable to be patient until the scar forms fully. The process usually takes between six to eight weeks. After incision healing, you should
consider a deep tissue massage to help alleviate post-surgery pains, soreness, and stiffness.
What to Know About Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage therapy is a type of massage that is closely similar to the swedish ortherapeutic massage but with deeper pressure. It penetrates the deepest layers of fascia, muscle tissue and tendons, releasing chronic muscle tension.
Some major focuses of Deep tissue massage include:
· Treating or preventing injuries
· Chronic muscle pain
· Limited movements
· Back pain
· Piriformis syndrome
· Postural issues
· Muscle tension in the rhomboids, legs, IT band, quadriceps, hamstring, upper back, and glutes.
· Fibromyalgia
· Tennis elbow
· Osteoarthritis pain
· Sciatica
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage to a Post-Surgery Patient
There are many benefits that you can get from a deep tissue massage after a surgical procedure. Many post-surgical patients are subjected to this massage therapy because:
1. It boosts the improved circulation of blood.
The range of methods used in creating friction during massage is used to improve blood flow. Administering deep tissue massage on a post-surgery patient helps the improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation, which in turn speeds up the healing process of the body.
Blood flow supplies the required nutrients to aid the supply and repair of impaired muscle tissues and fibers. The procedure also helps in reducing tension and fatigue. There is an increase in lymphatic circulation impacted by stimulation of the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system helps to exit toxins and wastes responsible for swelling and tension from the body. The continuous removal of these wastes and toxins further reassures healthy muscles, reduces tension and swelling.
2. It alleviates pain
Surgery has a lot of adverse effects on a patient, and this includes swelling, scarring, and pains.
Deep tissue massage is particularly beneficial as pain relief. It is capable of bringing relief to
almost any kind of body pain, as it penetrates the deep tissues. This effect is one of the
foremost reasons why post-surgical patients look out for Deep tissue massage therapy.
3. It prevents a buildup of scar tissues
Increase of scar tissues can create a mess of your body. Massages prevent such. As blood circulates the system and supplies the affected areas with the required nutrients. Soft tissue repair is encouraged, while it prevents the buildup of scar tissues.
4. It combats anxiety and stress
At the post-op rehabilitation stage of surgery, you can experience lots of stress and anxiety. You would wish you could recover quickly to be able to get back to your work. Fortunately, deep tissue massage aids in fighting anxiety and stress.
5. It improves movement and flexibility
Joint mobility after surgery can reduce for many reasons. Some of the reasons include pains, swelling, tension, and scarring. Deep tissue massage helps to aid flexibility and also re-establish your movement of the joints.
Swelling occurs as a response to excess fluids and wastes, which builds up as a result of the damage to body tissues. The massage procedures increase lymph flow which, in turn, removes the excess wastes and fluids from the body. The flush out of these wastes reduces the swelling. This excretion reduces pain and promotes a graceful movement of the joints.
6. Deep tissue massage also relieves tension.
Tension makes it difficult for muscles to stretch to their full capacity, which in turn impacts movement range. A massage can positively improve the temperature of the muscle tissues as a result of an increase in blood flow. This process helps to encourage muscle relaxation. When the muscles relax, it helps them to stretch to their full length, which in turn improves the
movement range.
In conclusion, it is safe and beneficial to receive deep tissue massage after surgery. However, ensure that the incision healing is complete before going for a massage. The process usually takes between six to eight weeks after surgery.
