Post-Surgery Lymphatic Massage

Serving South Fayette, Canonsburg, McMurray, Peters, Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Bridgeville, Washington

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage for Surgery

MLD massage helps open and clear lymphatic pathways and nodes allowing lymph fluid to move, be filtered, and returned to the cardiovascular system.   It helps to decrease swelling and inflammation, especially after injury or surgery.

Stagnant lymph fluid from illness, inflammation, toxins, lack of movement, injury, or surgery can tax the immune and circulatory systems potentially leading to various symptoms and conditions.

MLD massage uses gentle, rhythmical strokes ​in the direction towards the nodes and does not use oils or lotions. It should not be painful during the massage.

Lymphatic drainage massage can benefit recovery from the following types of surgery:

  • orthopedic (repairs, replacement, reconstructions, etc.)

  • plastic surgery (lipo, BBL, facial procedures, breast surgery (augmentation|reduction|mastectomy|reconstruction)

  • other surgeries resulting in swelling

** If you had lymph nodes removed or damaged due to surgery, radiation therapy or other reasons, it is likely that more specialized care with a lymphedema specialist to manage lymphedema is needed.  If you are in a maintenance phase of lymphedema, regular lymphatic drainage massage may help.  Please schedule a discovery call.

Having less swelling before and after surgery can help speed recovery, reduce pain, and increase range of motion.

Customized Sessions

Sessions are designed based on the individual's unique set of circumstances pre- and post- surgery.  A majority of the session will include manual lymphatic drainage however other gentle like-minded techniques may be used to address the full body as the lymphatic system is throughout the entire body and brain. 

You can continue with customized massage after your recovery to promote health and wellness.

When to Schedule

If you experience swelling before surgery, consider a manual lymphatic drainage session to help control swelling going into your surgery. Also, consider scheduling 2 manual lymphatic drainage massages per week for 2-3 weeks starting 24-48 hours after your surgery or when your physician approves. One session is beneficial vs. no session.  The first 2 weeks after surgery are the most important.

Education

Education about self-care pertaining to self-lymphatic massage, movement, and other support techniques will be given and modified as progress is made.