Abdominal surgery

We continue our series exploring how massage therapy may support recovery following certain surgical procedures. Today we're taking a look at abdominal surgery, which can be performed on a variety of abdominal organs, such as the reproductive organs, stomach, gallbladder, intestine, appendix, liver, spleen or esophagus for many reasons, such as including obstruction, infection, inflammatory bowel disease or tumors. Larger incisions are generally used in open abdominal surgery, while smaller incisions are used during laparoscopic surgery.

Some complaints and complications after surgery include: 

• Scarring or adhesions

• Muscle inhibition caused by tightening adhesions

• Abdominal muscle inhibition and scarring can lead to back pain because patients compensate or change how they move

Massage therapy may help address muscular tension and discomfort that can develop as someone changes the way they move during recovery. Specific scar tissue massage also targets the tissue around the incision to reduce inhibition and increase range of motion.

The appropriate time to begin massage after abdominal surgery varies according to the procedure, the individual's stage of healing and the areas being treated. Medical clearance may be necessary, particularly before working near an incision or surgical site.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a much lighter technique that may sometimes be incorporated earlier in postoperative recovery when appropriate. MLD uses gentle, rhythmic movements intended to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid and may be used to help manage certain types of post-surgical swelling. When working with someone recovering from surgery, I take the procedure, stage of recovery and any guidance from their healthcare provider into consideration. Learn more about Manual Lymphatic Drainage at Massage Refresh.

Postoperative massage should always reflect the type of surgery and the individual’s stage of recovery. Read more about massage therapy for rehabilitation after injury and surgery

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