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....