Before surgery, massage and remedial therapy can relieve much of the anxiety and tension associated with the anticipation of having surgery. Massage helps the patient feel less stressed and lowers the patient’s expectations for pain. This lowering of stress promotes a general sense of well-being that enhances the patient’s ability to heal quicker and with fewer complications.
After surgery, massage and remedial therapy is a great addition to or even a substitute for other pain and recovery treatments, such as pain medication, which can sometimes cause unpleasant side effects. There are several reasons why massage is beneficial after surgery. For one, massage improves the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body, allowing for increased oxygenation of the body’s tissues and organs and reduction of swelling and stiffness. Additionally, the simple fact that human touch, something we all need and benefit from, is involved in massage therapy and accounts for much of its physical and mental healing qualities.
Listed below are some of the most valuable health benefits and effects of massage as it applies to surgery.
– Helps to reduce edema or fluid accumulation
– Reduces swelling
– Reduces or relieves pain
– Increases flexibility of tissues
– Increases mobility
– Reduces stress and tension
– Increases body awareness
– Promotes relaxation
– Enhances immune functions and improved cell functions
– Lowers the production of the hormone Cortisol (also known as the stress-hormone)
Massage and remedial therapy is suitable for patients after most surgeries including Total Knee Replacement (TKR), Total Hip Replacements (THR), Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Meniscal Repair, Shoulder Replacement, Ankle Surgery, SLAP, Carpal Tunnel, Disectomy and Spinal Surgery, Achilles Repair, Cardiac Surgery and much more.
