Burnaby Massage Therapy
Post-Operative Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy
Post-Operative Massage Therapy in Burnaby | Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) | EastWest Physiotherapy
Now that you have completed the surgery, what’s most important is focusing on the recovery that comes after. Healing tissues, managing swelling, restoring movement, and feeling like yourself again takes time, guidance, and the right kind of care. At EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby, our Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) offers specialized Post-Operative Recovery Massage to support a smoother, safer, and faster recovery.
Whether you’ve undergone orthopedic surgery, abdominal surgery, plastic/cosmetic procedures, or general surgery, our RMT’s tailored approach helps your tissues heal properly and reduces common post-operative discomforts.
Conditions That Post-Operative Massage Can Help
Orthopedic Surgeries
- ACL/MCL reconstruction
- Rotator cuff repair
- Hip or knee replacements
- Meniscus repairs
- Spinal surgeries
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeries
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Facelift or neck lift
- Breast augmentation/reduction
General & Abdominal Surgeries
- C-section
- Hernia repair
Post-Trauma Surgical Repair
- Fracture fixation
- Tendon repair
Chronic Scar Tissue or Adhesions
Even years after surgery, patients often benefit from post-operative scar tissue management to improve mobility, discoloration and reduce pulling sensations.
Benefits of Post-Operative Massage Therapy
Research consistently shows that early, appropriate manual therapy can improve surgical outcomes. Key benefits include:
Faster Healing & Improved Circulation
Gentle pressure increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, supporting collagen repair and speeding up healing.
Reduced Swelling & Inflammation
Lymphatic drainage prevents fluid stagnation and reduces discomfort, heaviness, and pressure.
Prevention & Breakdown of Scar Tissue
Targeted manual techniques reduce adhesions that cause stiffness, pain, and restricted movement.
Better Mobility and Function
Surrounding muscles often tighten to protect the surgical site. Massage reduces guarding and restores normal movement patterns.
Pain Reduction
Soft tissue therapy can reduce post-operative muscular pain, nerve irritation, and pressure related to swelling or stiffness.
Improved Cosmetic Results
For plastic surgery recovery, post-op massage can help smooth tissue irregularities, reduce fibrosis, and support the desired contour.
What Is Post-Operative Massage?
Post-operative massage is a gentle, medically informed therapy that supports the body’s healing process by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and preventing scar tissue adhesions.
After surgery, the lymphatic system often slows down due to inflammation, immobility, and tissue trauma. Excess fluid can accumulate, harden, and create pressure or pain, which is a common experience after procedures involving the abdomen, joints, and soft tissue.
An effective post-operative massage helps to:
- Stimulate lymphatic flow
- Reduce swelling and fluid build-up
- Relaxes tension and decreases pain
- Improve soft tissue mobility
- Support wound healing and recovery
- Alleviate heaviness and stiffness in surrounding muscles compensating for the surgical area
This therapy is gentle, targeted, and always adapted to you and to your surgeon’s recommendations.
What to Expect During Your Post-Operative Massage Session
Initial Assessment
Your RMT will discuss:
- Your surgical procedure
- Surgeon’s recommendations
- Pain level and swelling
- Mobility limitations
- Concerns related to scars, discomfort, or tightness
Gentle, Targeted Treatment
Depending on your stage of healing, treatment may include a combination of the following:
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Gentle soft-tissue release around the surgical site
- Scar mobilization (only when safe and cleared)
- Fascial and skin-stretching techniques
- Relaxation for surrounding muscles compensating for the area
After-Care Guidance
You may receive:
- Swelling-reduction strategies
- Home lymphatic techniques
- Light mobility exercises
- Scar care or movement recommendations
Why Choose EastWest Physiotherapy for Post-Op Recovery Massage?
Expertise in Post-Surgical Care
Our RMT understands surgical timelines, tissue healing phases, and specific contraindications to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Gentle, Medically-Grounded Techniques
Our RMT understands surgical timelines, tissue healing phases, and specific contraindications to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Integrated Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy Options
Your RMT and physiotherapist can co-manage your case, especially for orthopedic surgeries requiring exercise-based rehabilitation and other beneficial modalities.
Private Rooms, individualized treatment
Private rooms, no double-booking, and a calm atmosphere designed to support healing.
Personalized Treatment at Every Stage
Your therapy is adjusted weekly based on swelling, scar maturation, pain level, and surgeon instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions — Post-Operative Massage Therapy
How soon after surgery can I begin a post-operative massage therapy session?
Most patients start between 2-6 weeks post-surgery, depending on the procedure. Always follow your surgeon’s recommendations, as timing differs for orthopedic, cosmetic, and abdominal procedures.
Is post-op massage painful?
No, it should be gentle and comfortable. Post-operative massage focuses on lymphatic drainage and soft tissue mobility, not deep pressure.
Can post-op massage reduce scars?
Yes. Scar mobilization (performed only when safe) can soften scar tissue, reduce adhesions, and improve the overall appearance and mobility of the scar.
Is lymphatic drainage necessary after cosmetic surgery?
For many cosmetic procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks, lymphatic massage significantly reduces swelling, fibrosis, and discomfort, and can improve aesthetic results.
What happens if I don’t get a post-operative massage?
Without proper management, you may experience:
- Prolonged swelling
- Hardening of tissues (fibrosis)
- Increased pain
- Poor mobility
- More visible or stiff scar tissue
- Slower overall recovery
Start Your Post-Operative Recovery at EastWest Physiotherapy at Burnaby
You don’t have to recover alone. With the right guidance, your healing can be smoother, faster, and far more comfortable. Our RMTs provide one-to-one expert care tailored to your surgery and your goals.