Massage for post Cardiac Surgery? You Bet!

This concludes the series on conditions and post operative surgeries that massage has been beneficial to treat. Today we look at cardiac and thoracic surgeries that treats heart or lung disease and may involve splitting the chest open (open-heart surgery) or 

 minimally invasive procedures.

Some complaints and complication after these particular surgeries include: 

• Discomfort in the  shoulders, back and neck

• Shortness of breath due to tightness in the healing area.

• Shoulder pain because of compensation in the pectoral muscles and decreased strength in the shoulder girdle.

Following medical clearance, massage may help address muscular tension and discomfort that can develop as the body recovers from cardiac or thoracic surgery. Scar tissue can form near the incision area and even beyond, so scar tissue massage is effective. The management of stress levels also cannot be overlooked and Massage may also provide an opportunity for relaxation and stress reduction during what can be a physically and emotionally demanding recovery.

It is very important to note, however, that medical clearance should guide when massage is appropriate after cardiac surgery.

Our series for the last few weeks have highlighted just a few of the surgeries that massage therapy can address post operative and much thanks to the American Massage Therapy Association for the resources and knowledge in spreading the word about the many benefits massage therapy offers. There are many more procedures, pathologies and injuries that massage therapy has been proven to address effectively.

Ultimately, in my experience, massage therapy first and foremost needs to help the body relax. Whether the goal is restorative deep-tissue work or regular maintenance massage, creating an environment in which the nervous system can settle is fundamental to the work I do.

Cardiac and thoracic procedures require their own considerations, but the same principle applies: massage should complement, not replace, appropriate medical care. Learn more about massage therapy for rehabilitation after injury and surgery