Relaxing massage

Post-operative Relaxation Massage

The post-operative period can be both physically and emotionally challenging for patients. Post-operative relaxation massage, when applied appropriately and at the right time, is a valuable complementary tool for relieving stress, reducing muscle tension, and promoting a general sense of well-being during recovery.

Objective of post-operative relaxation massage

Post-operative relaxation massage seeks to relieve stress, reduce pain and muscle tension, promote deep relaxation, and improve emotional well-being during recovery after surgery. It complements other techniques such as lymphatic drainage and anti-fibrosis massage for a comprehensive recovery.

Benefits of relaxation massage in the post-operative period

While other forms of post-surgical massage, such as manual lymphatic drainage, focus on reducing swelling and preventing fibrosis, relaxation massage has a primary focus on the overall well-being of the patient through the reduction of stress and tension.

Its key benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety reduction: Surgery, hospitalization, and the recovery process can cause high levels of stress and anxiety. Massage promotes the release of endorphins, known as “happy hormones,” which induce a sense of calm and well-being.
• Muscle tension relief: Prolonged rest, pain-relieving postures, and stress itself can lead to muscle stiffness and tension in areas not directly affected by surgery. Gentle massage helps release this tension, improving patient comfort.
• Mood improvement: By reducing stress and tension, massage contributes to a better mood, which is essential for a positive recovery.
• Induction of restful sleep: The deep relaxation achieved through massage can facilitate better quality sleep, which is essential for tissue repair and overall recovery.
• Possible pain modulation: Although not its primary goal as in therapeutic pain massage, muscle relaxation and improved superficial circulation can contribute to reducing the perception of pain.
• Promoting the mind-body connection: Helps the patient reconnect with their body in a gentle and positive way after the experience of surgery.

Techniques used in post-operative relaxation massage

Post-operative relaxation massage is characterized by being gentle, rhythmic, and superficial, avoiding any deep pressure or direct manipulation of the surgical incision or sensitive areas. Common techniques include:

• Effleurage (gentle strokes): Broad sliding movements with the palms of the hands or fingers, applying very light pressure. These are used to start and end the massage, distribute the lubricant, and promote overall relaxation.
• Neurological pass: Very gentle, superficial strokes with the fingertips, using almost no pressure, seeking a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Gentle vibration: Apply fine vibrations with the hands or fingers to areas of tension to help relax the muscles.
• Gentle passive mobilization (if indicated by the physician): Very careful movements of joints near the surgical area, within the range of motion allowed, to prevent stiffness. This should only be performed under strict medical or physical therapy supervision.
• Breathing techniques: Integrate awareness of deep, relaxed breathing during the massage to enhance its effects.

When to start post-operative relaxation massage

Generally, relaxation massage can be considered once the surgical wound has begun to heal and there are no active complications such as infection, extensive bruising, or significant seroma.

In many cases, it can be started very gently in areas away from the incision in the first few days or weeks, and gradually progress toward areas closer to the incision as recovery progresses.

It can generally be started on the first day or a few days after surgery, always with medical authorization.

It is recommended to combine it with other specific techniques (lymphatic drainage, anti-fibrosis) depending on the evolution and recommendations of the surgeon or physical therapist.

It is necessary to obtain authorization from the surgeon before starting any type of post-operative massage.

Precautions and contraindications

Although relaxation massage is gentle, there are precautions and contraindications that must be considered in the post-operative setting:

• Infection at the surgical site: Massage is absolutely contraindicated in the presence of any signs of infection (redness, heat, swelling, pain, discharge).
• Extensive hematoma or seroma: Massaging directly over large accumulations of blood or fluid can be painful and potentially harmful.
• Coagulation problems or risk of thrombosis: Massage, even gentle massage, may be contraindicated in patients at risk of blood clots.
• Skin fragility or compromised healing: Avoid any technique that may put excessive tension on the incision or surrounding skin.
• Severe pain: If massage causes significant pain, pressure should be reduced or the technique modified. Relaxation massage should not be painful.
• Decompensated systemic diseases: In patients with unstable medical conditions (e.g., heart failure, renal failure, etc.), massage should be performed with extreme caution and under medical supervision.
• Severe edema of non-surgical origin: If the edema is not related to surgery, it is essential to determine its cause before applying massage.

Duration and frequency

• Duration: Sessions of 30 to 60 minutes, adapted to the patient’s tolerance and condition.
• Recommended frequency: 2 to 3 times per week for the first few weeks, adjusting according to response and progress.

Precautions

• Do not apply massage directly to open wounds, areas with infection, or acute inflammation.
• Avoid sudden movements or strong pressure that could damage healing tissue.
• Always consult with the medical team before starting massage.

Recommendations for the professional and patient

• The massage therapist should have experience in post-operative massage and be familiar with the particularities of each surgery.
• Maintain constant communication with the patient to adjust pressure and technique according to sensitivity and comfort.
• The patient should stay hydrated to help eliminate toxins mobilized during the massage.
• Complement the relaxation massage with breathing techniques and gentle exercises to improve overall recovery.

Post-operative relaxation massage is a valuable complement that not only improves physical recovery but also emotional well-being, speeding up the return to normal after surgery.

📅 Schedule a free evaluation with our post-operative relaxation massage specialists today.

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Other types of post surgical massage

Lymphatic drainage massage – Fibrosis after lipo massage – Circulation massage – Scar tissue massage– Anti-cellulite massage – Relaxing massage – Anti-wrinkle facial massage