Six Benefits of Lymphatic Massage After Knee Surgery

If you're like most people, your knee surgery has been a long time coming. You've tried everything else: cortisone shots, physical therapy, ice and heat, and rest; maybe even years of downtime. Finally, you want your life back! The pain and mobility issues get to be too much so you start searching for the best orthopedic surgeon to do the job. 

After interviewing your doctor, there's one more question you need to ask him or her before the surgery...

"When's the soonest you'll clear me for a lymphatic massage after my surgery?"

You'll want to book a few massages as soon as possible after your surgery for a few very good reasons, which I'm sharing with you now.

First, lymphatic massage reduces swelling and inflammation.

Surgery (any kind of surgery) often leads to fluid retention. All those delicate lymphatic vessels are sliced and lymphatic pathways are disrupted as your body undergoes the surgeon's work. Lymph nodes are prominent around joints, and the knee especially so. Your body sends extra interstitial fluid to the surgical site to rescue your body from the trauma, which is good, by the way. This is your body's inflammation response, its perfectly designed way of protecting wounded tissues and beginning the healing process. Sometimes, there may even be extra fluid added during the surgery to lubricate the tissues. In any case, your legs will have extra fluid lingering after your surgery, resulting in edema. 

Swelling is natural, but it can be very uncomfortable. Manual lymphatic drainage by a certified lymphatic massage therapist aids the lymphatic system by coaxing the flow of fluid into lymphatic vessels as they regenerate and repair themselves after surgery. The relief is immediate as fluid drains away from the knee and lower leg and up toward the inguinal lymph nodes at your upper thigh. 

Second, lymphatic massage improves circulation and tissue healing.

The lymphatic system is distinct and separate from the circulatory system, but it is closely intertwined with it. Tiny pre-collectors capture fluid and move it into lymphatic capillaries, which are nestled in and among blood capillaries. The same manual technique that helps move fluid out of tissues, also stimulates circulation. This helps the body bring vital oxygen and nutrients to the healing tissues. 

Another way it helps tissues heal is by preventing fibrotic build-up around the surgery site. Cellular waste can harden into scar tissue around a wound, but the gentle manual drainage technique by a certified massage therapist, softens and refreshes these tissues. 

Third, lymphatic massage supports the body's immunity function.

During manual lymphatic drainage, waste and debris are escorted away by the lymphatic system. In fact, this is the lymphatic system's main purpose. It's job is to filter out any unnecessary and harmful toxins floating around the body's interstitial fluid. Debris like lymphocytes, harmful proteins, errant cancer cells, environmental toxins that find their way into our bodies through food and products, and even the air we breathe; all get filtered out by the lymph nodes. Lymphatic massage facilitates this process, and reduces the risk of infection after surgery.

Fourth, lymphatic massage relieves pain.

Swelling increases pressure on nerves and tissues, but the gentle soothing effect of manual lymphatic drainage takes that pressure away. Most people feel an immediate decrease in pain and discomfort.

Fifth, lymphatic massage helps prevent lymphedema.

A lymphatic drainage soon after surgery can make a huge difference in the affected limb size and that feeling of stiffness and heaviness that goes with lymphedema. This is especially important in cases where lymph nodes have been removed. I often use the word "juicy" to describe tissues after lymphatic massage, because I can literally feel the tissues softening, becoming more flexible and mobile, as I massage the leg after knee surgery. The effect for the patient is a feeling of reduced stiffness, and a welcome sensation of lightness in the limb.

It usually takes a few massages before the body begins to repair and move lymph on its own. This is why it's so important to get up and start moving your body just as soon as the doctor or physical therapist says it's fine to walk around, Movement is the #1 way to get the lymphatic system moving on its own and is key to preventing lymphedema. While lymphatic massage is quite enjoyable, you don't want it to become the sole way you activate your lymphatic system.

Finally, the sixth reason to start lymphatic massages after your knee surgery is to promote relaxation and well being.

Surgery is mentally and physically stressful. Massage allows your body to relax, and even to sleep naturally. The parasympathetic nervous system is the "rest and digest" system. You definitely want that sublime effect to kick in after a traumatic effect like a knee surgery. Lymphatic massage performed by a therapist who understands the post-op lymphatic system will aid in your overall recovery. You'll heal faster when you allow yourself to slip into that therapeutic and rejuvenating state of relaxation.

How soon should you begin lymphatic massage after surgery?

For optimum healing, your should ask your doctor before your surgery, and book your sessions as soon as he or she gives you the okay after surgery. You'll have the peace of mind that you're on your therapist's schedule, and you'll have the comfort of knowing there's something to look forward to after the big day.