Post-Operative Healing with Lymph Drainage Massage
As modern medicine continues to advance, the number of surgeries performed continues to increase at a staggering rate. In the USA alone, there are more than 40 million surgeries performed yearly, and over 310 million surgeries performed globally. Some surgeries are necessary to save a life, such as cardiac surgeries, and some surgeries are elective, such as cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery, deemed as an enhancement, but not necessary for survival. Each surgery may contain risks including hemorrhage, wound infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) pulmonary embolism and reaction to anesthesia, to name a few. Most patients are educated on the risks of surgery, put what about aftercare, the post-operative stage when the healing begins??
Healing the body takes time, the older a person is, the more comorbidities a person has, the longer the recovery time. The body is miraculous and heals in successive stages. Generally, a healthy person can expect a 6-to-12 week recovery time, but, each individual is different and healing the body can be unpredictable. Some common side effects after surgery include: fatigue, swelling, drainage, increased risk of infection and bruising, as well as appetite loss.
Swelling of the body immediately after surgery is completely normal, and is called the inflammatory stage, where an influx of cells floods the affected area to begin the healing process. However, too much swelling can slow down the entire healing process. Excessive swelling in the body can severely limit joint range of motion and function, be painful and downright uncomfortable making daily life a challenge.
Natural healing techniques such as lymphatic massage or manual lymph drainage, can help facilitate a speedy recovery by reducing tissue swelling. Manual lymph drainage is a slow, gentle rhythmical massage that can help move stagnant lymph fluid out of the tissues, thus facilitating fluid reduction, faster healing time and recovery, greater mobility and decreasing fibrotic tissue formation. Other modalities such as cupping, kinesio tape, compression therapy, elevation, and gentle movement can also assist with reducing swelling and improving healing time and recovery.
The lymphatic system contains capillaries subdermal in the skin, vessels, nodes and organs that work in conjunction to maintain fluids in the body, support immune function, and clear cellular waste products from the tissues. It is the filtration system of the body, is key to healing and regenerating tissues/cells and removes toxins keeping the body and tissues healthy and vibrant.
Lymphatic drainage massage is often recommended post-operatively in cosmetic surgery as an adjunctive to healing the body by reducing swelling and fluid retention, accelerating recovery time, improving bruising and reducing tissue fibrosis/scar formation. Luna Therapy Day Spa specializes in lymphatic drainage/manual lymph massage, treating post-operative swelling as well as lymphedema and lipodema. All swelling in the body is related to the lymphatic system, a certified lymph drainage massage therapist can assist on your healing journey toward faster recovery and greater wellness.
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