Why Post-Surgery Recovery Matters
Recovering from surgery is a crucial phase in any medical treatment plan. Effective rehabilitation not only helps you regain your strength and mobility but also improves your overall quality of life. Integrating complementary therapies like massage therapy and acupuncture can significantly enhance the recovery process. In this article, we’ll explore how these therapies support post-surgery recovery, reduce scar tissue, decrease pain and improve mobility.
How Massage Therapy Accelerates Post-Surgery Healing
Enhancing Circulation and Reducing Swelling
One of the primary benefits of massage therapy after surgery is its ability to enhance blood circulation. Improved circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, which accelerates the healing process. Massage techniques like gentle strokes and kneading can also reduce swelling and edema, common issues following surgery.
Increasing Range of Motion, Alleviating Pain and Discomfort
Massage therapy can provide significant relief from post-surgical pain. Neuromuscular Therapy can help release compensatory holding patterns to help you regain your range of motion. Deep Tissue Massage helps relax tight muscles and reduce discomfort. By decreasing muscle tension and improving blood flow, massage therapy can decrease your overall recovery time and make the recovery process more comfortable.
Minimizing Scar Tissue Formation with Massage Therapy and Promoting Collagen Production
Massage therapy can play a vital role in minimizing scar tissue formation. Techniques such as Scar Tissue Massage and Myofascial Release, sometimes with the use of scraping tools or cupping, can help break down adhesions and encourage the production of healthy collagen, which can help increase range of motion. This not only improves the appearance of scars but also prevents them from becoming restrictive or limiting mobility.
Improving Skin Texture and Elasticity
Regular massage around the surgical site can improve skin texture and elasticity. This is particularly important for surgeries involving large incisions or extensive tissue manipulation. By enhancing the skin’s elasticity, massage therapy helps in achieving a smoother and more flexible recovery.
Schedule a Massage, Acupuncture or Dry Needling Treatment!
Schedule with one of our Injury Rehab/Advanced Care Massage Specialists or with our Acupuncturists (who also provide Dry Needling). Open Weekdays & Weekends
The Role of Acupuncture and Dry Needling in Post-Surgery Recovery
Reducing Pain & Inflammation and Promoting Healing
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy, has been shown to be effective in pain management and promoting healing. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can help balance energy flow and reduce inflammation. This therapy is particularly beneficial for managing chronic pain and accelerating the recovery process.
Enhancing Mobility and Flexibility
After surgery, regaining mobility and flexibility is often a key focus of rehabilitation. Acupuncture can support this goal by improving joint function and reducing muscle stiffness. By targeting acupuncture points related to the affected area, this therapy helps enhance range of motion and functionality.
Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN)
Dry Needling or Trigger Point Dry Needling involves inserting a thin needle directly into a muscle or trigger point with the goal of releasing tension, resetting muscle balance, reducing pain or improving muscle function. It’s not uncommon for a muscle to twitch or slightly spasm before releasing. Usually, this technique is deeper than traditional acupuncture, and the needle placement is designed to release muscular tension. Dry Needling can help improve range of motion and coax muscles to release very quickly.
Dry Needling with Electrical Stimulation
Dry needling on its own can be extremely effective as a treatment but running electrical stimulation thru the needles can have additional benefits, when appropriate. E-stim with Dry Needling can help decrease pain and decrease muscle holding patterns faster by over-riding the pain or nerve receptors. E-Stim can also help calm active trigger points and provide a longer-term effect.
Integrating Massage Therapy, Acupuncture and Dry Needling into Your Post-Surgery Plan
Tailoring Post-Operative Treatments to Your Needs
Both massage therapy and acupuncture should be tailored to meet your specific post-surgery needs. It’s essential to work with licensed professionals who can customize their approach based on your individual condition and recovery goals. Consulting with your healthcare provider before starting these therapies is crucial to ensure they complement your overall recovery plan.
Establishing a Balanced Approach
Integrating massage therapy, acupuncture and dry needling with traditional rehabilitation methods can offer a balanced approach to recovery. Combining these therapies with physical therapy, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can enhance your healing process and improve overall outcomes. And most importantly, keep a positive attitude, ask questions and stay on track with your treatments and home exercises so you heal properly.
When Can I Start My Post-Operative Care?
Always discuss your care with your surgeon but we can usually provide light massage and acupuncture around the surgical site 7-14 days after surgery, although you can also wait until your sutures are removed, if you prefer. We can lightly work the scar with sutures still in place, to help reduce scar tissue build-up early. Acupuncture Needles can be placed on complimentary points to help stimulate healing and reduce pain. Both treatments will be provided with care and precision with a “do no harm” approach to help reduce your recovery time. And we can always focus on other areas of your body that have been compensating and causing discomfort since your injury. Because lets face it, surgery is tough on your entire body! We know from experience!
Massage Therapy, Acupuncture and Dry Needling: The Benefits of Complementary Therapies in Post-Surgery Recovery
Massage therapy, acupuncture and dry needling offer valuable benefits in the post-surgery recovery process. By enhancing circulation, reducing pain, minimizing scar tissue, and improving mobility, these complementary therapies can support a smoother and more effective rehabilitation journey. Always consult with your healthcare provider to create a comprehensive recovery plan that includes these therapeutic options.
For more information on how massage therapy and acupuncture can aid in your recovery, reach out to our office or other certified practitioners and explore how these treatments can be integrated into your post-surgery care.
About the Author:
David Abookire, LMT is the founder of Boulder Therapeutics, Inc, and has been treating professional and competitive athletes and injured clients since 1999. He is passionate about educating people on massage therapy, injury rehab, Acupuncture, injury prevention, sports performance and stretching. He and his team advise clients on the frequency of their care and when they may need to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.