Discovery in the Treatment Room
Benefit of Lymphatic Massage and Myofascial Release for Liposuction Recovery
The Dream of a Perfect Body!
If your dna doesn't give you the body you want or life’s travels has caused you to collect some extra luggage, Liposuction is one of the tools used to attain this dream. Along with this procedure comes a host of healing challenges such as; swelling, irregular texture and the regeneration of nerve impulses. A massage therapist trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Myofascial Release can be your best friend during this healing time.
Since 1997, I have worked with many clients during this journey. To assist in the recovery and education of patients, I want to share some of my "Discoveries in the treatment room"
Case#1 L.F.
L.F. was a tough hard hitting ceo of a marketing company and a regular massage client of mine in the OC. She's athletically built but with few curves. A local plastic surgeon was chosen to sculpt those curves in. I created a treatment plan for both pre and post op.
To prepare the tissue, it is essential do 2 to 3 treatments, two days apart, the week before surgery to decongest the tissue. This supports less bleeding during surgery for less bruising. Treatment post surgery begins 3 to 5 days after, quickening the recovery 10x it normal pace.
A sunny afternoon on the island, I arrive at L.F. home and set up for the treatment. After peeling off the compression garments, we get to work. She is sore swollen and bruised as is customary after the procedure. The strokes are the weight of a nickel and the rhythm of a heart beat bringing relief to the discomfort. This technique moves the fluids so quickly; I can see the bruising begin to change color. The stokes not only assist in the healing process but move other foreign substances through the system.
FYI: When deciding to have plastic surgery, wait a reasonable amount of time before having inoculation for foreign travel. Unfortunately, preparing for a trip, injections mixed with MLD can cause the body to have a strong, flu like reaction.
The treatment completes the compression garments are refitted as the swelling has greatly subsided. We work together every other day for 5 sessions and the recovery is way ahead of the curve.
Over the years, I have learned that I can't give an exact date when the recovery is complete. Each person heals differently and at their own speed. L.F. was quick to heal and be on her way.
I have also learned that sometimes there is an irregularity left behind in the tissue and myofascial release is necessary to smooth scar tissue created by the procedure, as is demonstrated in the following case story.
Case #2 C. S.
C.S. is referred by a local plastic surgeon. She is 6 weeks post op with a great deal of swelling, irregular texture and pain.
The session, which would be normally 30 to 45 minutes, stretches to 1 hour. The fluids are moving slowly. During the initial consultation, C.S. shared about her breast cancer experience and the removal of lymph nodes. Following those years, she had several surgeries with no issue of lymphedema or slow healing.