Post-Surgical Lymphatic Drainage: Promoting Healing After Surgery
Undergoing surgery is a big event for the body, and it can often bring about physical and emotional challenges. One common after-effect of surgery is swelling, which can be both uncomfortable and hinder the healing process.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, non-invasive massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to help the body remove excess fluid, reduce swelling, and promote healing. MLD is a helpful tool for anyone dealing with excess swelling, but it can be especially helpful following surgery.
Let’s take a look at how surgery impacts the lymphatic system, when to begin MLD, and whether or not it is the right approach for you.
How does surgery impact the lymphatic system?
When you have surgery, especially a major one, your lymphatic system — responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body — may struggle to keep up with its normal functions. Surgical incisions, anesthesia, and physical trauma can all cause disruptions to the flow of lymph, which results in fluid retention and swelling around the surgical area. Swelling is the body’s natural reaction, but when left unchecked, it can prolong recovery time and cause discomfort.
The lymphatic system is crucial for immune function and maintaining the body’s fluid balance. After surgery, it is important to help your lymphatic system return to normal function. Manual lymphatic drainage is designed to encourage lymph flow to reduce swelling, accelerate healing, and improve overall circulation. By stimulating the body’s natural processes, MLD helps reduce swelling and allows the body heal more effectively by enhancing nutrient delivery to tissues.
How long after surgery should manual lymphatic drainage begin?
It’s important to wait for the right time to begin MLD, as starting too soon could interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Generally, it is recommended to wait 5 to 7 days after surgery to allow the body to begin the natural healing process. However, this can vary based on the type of surgery and your overall health.
Before starting any lymphatic drainage treatment, it’s important to get the green light from your healthcare provider. Your doctor can offer specific advice on the timing and frequency of treatments that will be most effective for your recovery. If approved, starting MLD at the right time can help accelerate your healing, reduce discomfort, and restore normal fluid balance.
When is lymphatic drainage not the right approach?
While MLD is highly beneficial for many post-surgical patients, there are situations in which it might not be suitable. Lymphatic drainage should not be done if you have active infections, blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis), or any condition that involves active inflammation.
It’s also important to avoid MLD if you have any major heart conditions, including heart failure, because it could exacerbate fluid retention. Always check with your healthcare provider to ensure MLD is appropriate for your condition. In cases where MLD isn’t right for you, other supportive therapies can aid in your recovery, such as compression garments or physical therapy.
Personalized care for faster healing with Resonance
If you’ve recently undergone surgery, it’s important to take care of your body’s recovery with the right support. At Resonance, we specialize in providing manual lymphatic drainage to assist with the healing process. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to offering personalized treatments that meet your unique needs.
We understand that post-surgical recovery can feel overwhelming, but with the right care, you can begin feeling better, faster. Whether you’re looking for relief from swelling or simply want to accelerate your healing, we’re here to support you every step of the way! Schedule a consultation today with our team, and let us help you navigate your recovery with the healing power of MLD.