Lymphatic Drainage vs Post Surgical Massage
So you got cosmetic surgery. Your doctor said something about getting lymphatic drainage massages. You have no idea what that is, or if you need them.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
This is a type of massage which treats edema, or excess swelling. This type of massage detoxes the body’s systems. It’s used as a general health massage, but mostly for patients who have lymphedema, which is when the lymphatic system is not strong enough to keep the lymph flowing. This can occur after cancer treatments which damage or remove lymph nodes. People might also have edema because it runs in their family, or from digestive or hormonal problems. It can be a temporary or an ongoing issue.
Do I Need Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Surgery?
Lymphatic drainage massage can be useful after different types of surgery, but the type of massage you need after cosmetic surgery is very different from regular lymphatic drainage massage.
What is Post Surgical Massage?
Post Surgical massage is a very specific treatment for patients who are recovering from surgical procedures. It might include lymphatic drainage massage, but it might also include a lot of other modalities (like cavitation, ultrasound, radiofrequency, myofascial release, acupuncture, cupping, etc) to meet your needs after your medical procedure.
It is extremely important to understand that your treatments as you recover from a cosmetic surgery will change as your body changes. The treatment you get 1 week post surgical will be VERY different from the treatment your body needs 5 weeks post surgical, no matter what procedure you received. You deserve a therapist who took the extra training to understand this.
If you’re:
- Swollen
- In pain
- Have hard areas
Then you would get a lot of relief from a post-surgical massage.
How do I find a therapist who specializes in post surgical massage?
Read website and bio! At the very least, the practitioner should be a Certified Massage Therapist with extra training in lymphatic drainage AND surgical procedures. Most massage therapists do not receive this extra training as part of their schooling, it is a specialty.