Post-Surgery Massage Therapy Techniques for Therapists – HomeCEU

Post-Surgery Massage Therapy Techniques for Therapists

Post-Surgery Massage Therapy Techniques for Therapists

Massage therapy offers powerful benefits for clients recovering from surgery. 

As a massage therapist, expanding your skills to include post-surgery massage therapy techniques can open up new opportunities to support clients on their healing journey. By understanding and applying specific methods, you can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and speed up your client’s recovery time. 

Related CE course for massage therapists: Post-Surgical Massage for the Upper Extremities 

Why offer post-surgery massage? 

After surgery, patients often experience pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Scar tissue can also form after surgery, leading to stiffness and restricted movement. Post-surgery massage addresses these issues directly, providing significant relief and support. 

The benefits of post-operative massage are well-documented. Studies show it can: 

  • Decrease pain levels
  • Improve range of motion
  • Reduce scar tissue adhesions and fibrosis
  • Increase scar mobility and decrease hypersensitivity
  • Improve muscle activation
  • Enhance overall quality of life 

By adding these techniques to your skillset, you can play a crucial role in a patient's recovery process, helping them return to their daily activities faster and with greater comfort. 

Related CE course for massage therapists: Post-Surgical Massage for the Lower Extremities 

Key massage techniques for post-surgery recovery 

It’s crucial to understand the appropriate application and timing for each massage technique to ensure safety and effectiveness. Always consider the patient's specific surgery, healing stage, and any restrictions from their surgeon. 

Here are five effective techniques you can use. 

1. Scar tissue massage 

Scar tissue forms as the body's natural response to an injury, whether internal or external. While necessary for healing, it can become restrictive if it adheres to underlying tissues. Scar tissue massage helps improve the pliability and appearance of healing scars. 

How it works: This technique involves applying a light mechanical force to a healing scar. You can use transverse massage, where forces are applied perpendicular to the tissue fibers, or gentle friction over the scar. This helps to break down adhesions and encourages more flexible tissue formation. 

How to implement: 

  • Timing — Begin this technique only after the incision has fully healed, typically around two weeks post-op.
  • Pressure — Start with very light pressure and gradually increase as tolerated by the client. The goal is to mobilize the skin and underlying tissue without causing pain.
  • Technique — Use your fingertips to gently move the scar in all directions: up, down, side to side, and in small circles. This helps to prevent the scar from sticking to deeper tissues. 

2. Deep transverse friction 

Also known as cross-fiber friction, this technique is effective for managing pain and stiffness in muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the surgical site. 

How it works: Deep transverse friction involves applying a precise, deep frictional force perpendicular to the tissue fibers. This action is thought to increase circulation (hyperemia) and modulate pain receptors, leading to reduced pain and improved tissue mobility. 

How to implement: 

  • Timing — Avoid applying this technique too early in the healing process, as it could overstress healing tissue and lead to reinjury.
  • Pressure — The amount of pressure should be tailored to the client's tolerance. It should be deep enough to engage the tissue without causing excessive pain.
  • Technique — Place your finger or thumb directly on the affected tissue. Apply pressure and move back and forth across the fibers, not along them. The skin and your finger should move together as one unit over the underlying tissue. 

3. Ischemic compression for trigger points 

After surgery, muscles can develop trigger points, which are tight, irritable bands of muscle tissue. These can cause local and referred pain, contributing to overall dysfunction. Ischemic compression is a targeted technique to release these points. 

How it works: This method involves applying sustained pressure to a trigger point. This pressure temporarily restricts blood flow (ischemia) to the area. When the pressure is released, blood rushes back in, flushing out waste products and promoting relaxation of the muscle fibers. This can improve circulation, muscle elasticity, and overall function. 

How to implement: 

  • Identification — Locate the trigger point by palpating for a taut band of muscle that is tender to the touch.
  • Pressure — Apply firm, direct pressure to the trigger point using your thumb, finger, or elbow. Hold the pressure for 20-60 seconds, or until you feel the tension release.
  • Communication — Maintain open communication with your client. The pressure should be strong but tolerable, often described as a "good pain." 

4. Myofascial release 

The fascial system is a web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. Surgery can create restrictions in this system, leading to pain and limited movement. Myofascial release aims to restore normal fascial length and tension. 

How it works: This technique often involves applying a low-load, long-duration stretch to the fascia. The sustained pressure helps to release restrictions and improve the hydration and elasticity of the tissue. It can be performed directly on the skin without oils or lotions to effectively engage the fascia. 

How to implement: 

  • Application: — Use your palms, knuckles, or forearms to apply slow, sustained pressure to the restricted area.
  • Stretch — Gently stretch the skin until you feel a point of resistance. Hold this position until you feel a release, then slowly follow the tissue to a new barrier.
  • Patience — Myofascial release is a slow technique. Be patient and allow the tissue time to respond. 

5. Contract-relax muscle energy technique 

This technique is excellent for promoting muscle relaxation and increasing flexibility, which is often needed after periods of immobilization post-surgery. 

How it works: The contract-relax technique leverages principles of neuromuscular response. It involves having the client isometrically contract a muscle against your resistance for a short period (around 6-10 seconds). Following the contraction, the client relaxes, and you can then gently guide the muscle into a deeper passive stretch. This process helps to reset the muscle's resting tone. 

How to implement: 

  • Positioning — Place the target muscle in a comfortably stretched position.
  • Contraction — Ask the client to contract the muscle against your stable resistance, ensuring no movement occurs (isometric contraction).
  • Relaxation and Stretch — After the contraction, instruct the client to relax completely. As they relax, gently guide the muscle into a new, deeper stretch and hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times. 

Expand your practice and your impact 

Incorporating post-surgery massage therapy techniques into your practice allows you to provide invaluable support to clients during a critical recovery period. By mastering these methods, you can help individuals heal faster, regain function, and improve their quality of life after surgery. 

Start exploring these techniques and see the positive impact you can make. With the right knowledge and skills, you can become an essential partner in your clients' post-operative rehabilitation. 

This article was written by Mehreen Rizvi

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