Surgery can be the catalyst for major improvements in your quality of life, but proper aftercare is a vital part of fostering good surgical outcomes. The ultimate goals after any surgical procedure are healthy healing, the prevention of complications and adequate management of pain. Post-operative care options can help you meet the demands of your body after the physical trauma of surgery, improving not only the end result but also your recovery experience as a whole. Lymphatic massage can play a significant role in an aftercare plan.
What is Lymphatic Massage?
The lymphatic system is part of your circulatory and immune system, responsible for removing cellular waste and toxins from your body. As a result, it has a vital role in recovery after surgery. Unfortunately, surgical procedures disrupt your body’s lymphatic channels, often causing swelling as lymph, packed with healing and infection fighting white blood cells, essentially pools in the body. This pooling lymph presents as bloat and swelling in already-inflamed areas.
Lymphatic massage is not like a traditional spa service. This specialized massage is designed to promote healing, minimize the appearance of scarring and speed recovery. With rhythmic, wave-like massage strokes on the surface of your skin, lymphatic channels are opened and closed manually. This allows excess fluid to drain away naturally, while also stimulating the nervous system, lowering muscle soreness and reducing bruising.
Who is a Good Candidate for Lymphatic Massage?
While it can be a critical part of post-operative care, many people are good candidates for lymphatic massage therapy. Because lymphatic draining massage techniques focus on moving the fluid responsible for filtering waste and toxins back into the proper lymphatic channels for drainage, it can provide an immune system boost. Everything from a minor cut becoming slightly infected to a major infection can cause lymph nodes to swell; when this happens, lymphatic massage can help move lymph through the body more efficiently to reduce some of your symptoms.
Whether you have recently had surgery, are planning aftercare for a future procedure or are seeking relief from many health concerns, lymphatic massage can help. To learn more about this specialized therapy and to find out if it could help you reach your wellness goals, contact Emet Medical Wellness today.