Therapeutic Massage After Surgery

I have a gift certificate for just this thing, but I haven’t felt comfortable enough to use it yet.  I still see myself as enormous and don’t want to be naked in front of anyone yet.  I called though, and it’s safe for almost all patients.  It can help improve circulation and relax the muscles that aren’t used to so much exercise.  Some hospitals even offer the service. 

I asked my doctor this very same question Bridget.  Internet high-five to another massage enthusiast!  Anyway, my doctor said that barring any surgical complications, that it should be to get a massage two weeks post-op if I was planning to sit up for it.  Otherwise, it might take just a few more weeks before I’ll feel comfortable lying on my sides, back, or tummy.  Anything is okay so long as you feel comfortable.  The moment you feel pain near your incision area or in your stomach area you should let the massage therapist know it. 

You can have a foot massage, arm massage, or even a head massage as these parts of the body can be massaged without harming the wound. I like having a shoulder massage from my husband before going to sleep because that will really help me remove stress.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Astrid, you are right that I can still get a massage for my extremities and not massaging the affected area, as Emma has said.