Massage And Your Knee Or Hip Replacement
One in four people will face a knee or hip replaced at some point in their lives. Commonly, this is due to osteoarthritis, a painful condition caused by worn down cartilage. Osteoarthritis can also cause stiffness and compensating movement patterns.
Many people have successfully avoided surgery by employing safe, non-invasive techniques such as weight loss, strengthening exercises and massage therapy. There have been studies showing regular massage over a period of 3 months can increase range of motion and reduce pain to the point of not requiring surgery. The trauma of surgery is always a risk, and if at all possible, it’s ideal to avoid it. Massage therapy can help reduce the need for replacement of these incredibly important joints.
Sometimes, however, degeneration is too advanced or pain levels are unmanageable and surgery is necessary. In these cases, massage can help prepare the body for success. I usually perform several sessions of Lymph Drainage Therapy. The Lymphatic System is a series of tubes and nodes that run through the body, playing an important role in fighting bacteria & infections and destroying old or abnormal cells. It is the garbage disposal of the body. The lymph system depends on muscle and joint activity for momentum. When your own movement is limited, massage can help this system function well, detoxifying the tissue & preparing it for surgery, as well as relaxing you and promoting a calm state of mind.
Once surgery occurs, it’s time for rehab & conditioning. Massage therapy can complement PT by addressing pain, soreness, or stiffness from session. Also, stretching following muscle & fascia release promotes safe range of motion and healing. Patients reported better sleep, pain relief, less stiffness and less anxiety from massage therapy post-surgery. Lymph drainage is helpful after surgery to help reverse the buildup of toxins from medication, stimulate fluid circulation, and promotes purification. It also improves skin regeneration and wound healing and may help prevent or reduce scarring.
If you or a loved one is considering hip or knee replacement surgery, massage therapy may benefit you and potentially help prevent the surgery altogether. I am here to help.
