CHARLOTTE – Many of my clients come to me after having a surgery, the most popular being hip, ankle, knee and shoulder. Normally they come in post-surgery, having worked with a physical therapist for post-surgery rehab IF their doctors recommend this route. Sometimes, especially with hip surgery (which seems to be the less complicated of all the joint surgeries), doctors forego any type of rehab at all. But what about before surgery?

One thing I love to hear is that clients are now being proactive and getting their bodies in better shape with pre-surgery prep. This prep, according to my clients, might consist of the building and/or strengthening muscle(s) around the joint that is in question. Others have adopted a healthier eating regimen. But definitely, massage has been an added benefit for pre-surgery.

Pain is a factor in your injury. Getting a massage can provide some pain relief or at least enough to help you get to the next step in your prepping process. Massage can also help with stimulating sleep hormones; remember sleep is essential to the healing process and help with management of cortisol levels. Pre-surgical massage can increase circulation and push blood and other helpful fluids into and away from the muscles and ligaments surrounding the area to be operated on. This may help prep the body for healing.  Massage that’s not too deep but is soothing and relaxing can also produce endorphins and help decrease inflammation.

Ask your doctor if massage is allowed.

-Lisa Lane is a licensed massage therapist (#13098) and owner of Massage Sanctuary in Mint Hill. Visit her website at ncmassagesanctuary.massagetherapy.com in order to schedule.