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Post-surgical manual lymphatic drainage helps clear out excess lymph fluid caused by surgical trauma, which assists in faster healing and pain reduction. Scar tissue work is also performed when appropriate to help reduce adhesions after surgery which will help with overall appearance of surgical site and surrounding areas, increased lymphatic flow and help reduce future scar adhesion complications. Indicated for cosmetic surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, non-elective emergency/non-emergency surgeries, gender affirming surgeries. Schedule this type of work if you are 0-6 months post op.
Pre/Post-surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle yet powerful form of bodywork that is intended to stimulate and encourage the natural movement of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back towards the heart. It is a technique based on gentle, rhythmic and constant movements that mimic the rhythm of the body’s lymphatic system. During a post-surgical manual lymphatic drainage session, the therapist gently massages the lymph nodes and then guides post surgical edema towards those correlating lymph nodes.
Post-surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage is NOT deep tissue massage. MLD should NEVER hurt to receive. MLD is also NOT opening up incision wounds to push edema out of the body.
Oftentimes after surgery, the body will swell with excessive edema both at and proximal to the surgical site. This post-operative swelling, while completely normal, can be quite uncomfortable. Sluggishness, decreased range of motion, increased sensitivity, inability to sleep comfortably, and an overall feeling of puffiness can often occur during the surgical recovery process.
Reducing post-surgical swelling is one of the most common ways that Manual Lymphatic Drainage is used. Because of its ability to directly move excessive post-surgical edema while using the most gentle of touch, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is frequently regarded as an imperative part of the surgical recovery process by surgeons worldwide.
Below is a study done by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) showing the benefits of post liposuction MLD.
For the last several years, Carmela Wiese, LMT, CMLDT, and Courtney Rolnick, PT, CMLDT have been providing post-operative manual lymphatic drainage to clients recovering from a wide range of surgeries including:
Fibrosis is a build up of scar tissue that can occur as a result of cosmetic surgery which can cause lumps and bumps in the subdermal tissues. It can sometimes be found in the lateral torso, lower abdomen, and back after liposuction. While this consequence of liposuction is not ideal, not to worry. Fibrosis can be treated!
Through various techniques, fibrosis and scar tissue can be gently treated causing any lumps and bumps that may have settled during the recovery process to get smoothed out. Using warm oil and lymphatic cupping, myofascial decompression allows for scarring and edema build-up to gently be reduced allowing the patient to feel more comfortable and confident in their new body.
Post-Surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage Session
Indications Include:
For those within 6 months of surgical proceedure