Healing after surgery involves more than waiting for time to pass…

Massage therapy can play an important role in supporting recovery by helping improve comfort, mobility, and function while addressing the physical changes that often occur after surgery.

Post-surgical massage therapy is provided by Registered Massage Therapists like Jenn with advanced training in post-surgical care for breast, chest, and body procedures. This particular education includes recovery following a wide range of surgical procedures, with techniques designed to address scar tissue, swelling, pain, and movement restrictions throughout the healing process.

Whether surgery is medically necessary, gender-affirming, or elective, treatments are tailored to each client’s stage of healing, goals, and comfort.

Conditions & Surgeries Treated

Post-surgical massage therapy may be appropriate following:

• Breast cancer surgeries, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction, and revision procedures

• Gender-affirming surgeries, including top surgery for trans masculine and non-binary clients, breast augmentation for trans women and transfeminine people, and other gender-affirming procedures

• Elective breast and chest surgeries, including augmentation, reduction, lift (mastopexy), explant, gynecomastia surgery, and chest implants

• Body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasty)

How Massage Therapy Can Help

Treatment may help:

• Reduce pain and tenderness

• Improve mobility and range of motion

• Address scar tissue and tissue restrictions

• Help manage swelling and fluid congestion

• Reduce tightness through the chest, shoulders, neck, and upper back

• Improve posture and ease of movement

• Support a return to everyday activities, work, exercise, and recreation

Every treatment plan is individualized based on surgery type, stage of healing, and healthcare team recommendations.

When Should Treatment Begin?

Whenever possible, beginning massage therapy before surgery may help establish a baseline, support education around recovery expectations, and prepare the body for healing.

Following surgery, treatment can often begin within the first three weeks, depending on surgeon recommendations and individual healing progress. Early intervention may help address swelling, discomfort, and movement restrictions before they become more established.

If surgery occurred months or even years ago, post-surgical massage therapy may still be beneficial. Scar tissue, tightness, and movement limitations can continue to improve long after the initial recovery period.

A Safe, Respectful, Inclusive Environment

Recovery is a personal experience, and every client deserves to feel comfortable during treatment. A welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space is provided for clients of all backgrounds—including members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—so that healing can be supported in a safe and affirming environment.

If there are questions about whether post-surgical massage therapy is appropriate for a specific recovery, contact us!