Lymphatic Massage after Surgery
Surgery, even if it saves your life, is a major attack to the body’s natural functioning. It’s invasive and shocks every system into defense mode. There are so many things that happen to the body during surgery. Just to name a few issues, the body is exposed to toxins in the air which increases the risk of infection, the drugs and anesthetics can be detrimental to the body and mind, and there is even a chance of malnutrition because the body will use every beneficial nutrient and vitamin in order to heal. Basically, the body is being assaulted, and as a result, it’s going to do everything it can to save itself, pushing every system into overdrive.
The lymphatic system is severely overwhelmed and overworked during and after surgery. This is your body’s main contributor to fighting off infection and keeping your immune system strong. Invasive surgery devastates the lymphatic system, often causing increased swelling, high risk of infection, malnutrition, and a variety of other possible post surgical complications. If the surgery is to remove lymph nodes, such as in cases of breast cancer patients, then there is an even higher risk of developing lymphatic complications because there is a direct assault to the system itself.
Receiving lymphatic massage after surgery, when done carefully and by a professional, can greatly reduce the risks of infection and minimize swelling. The gentle movement of massaging the nodes and vessels will increase the flow of the fluid, relax the system, and allow the lymphocytes (infection-fighting cells) to multiply at higher rates without over-exerting themselves.
Lymphatic Massage after Surgery
Even post discharge from the hospital and the incisions are healed, it would still be beneficial to continue lymphatic massage, especially if you are undergoing physical therapy or rehabilitation after surgery. Deep tissue massage, a common component of physical therapy, along with the constant pressure and stress on the organs throughout treatment, aggravates the immune system. Giving it tender, love, and care with this gentle massage will help smooth the road to recovery by ensuring you don’t overwork one of the most vital circulatory systems in the body.
Even though lymphatic massage is gentle, you should still discuss this treatment with your healthcare providers before initiating it. This is because there could be underlying circumstances to your health that need to be reviewed beforehand, such as your risk of clots and past history of heart disease. See also Lymphatic Drainage Benefits.
Jennifer says
Do you do lymphatic drainage for cancer patients?