Presented here is a video from Massage Solutions showing the pre-surgical massage being performed for a client with bulging/leaking discs. The goal is to keep the muscles flexible and healthy for the procedure, in which muscle tissues are sliced through and moved in ways not intended by design! When undergoing any surgery like this, you must take every precaution to care for yourself, your injury, and of course, your recovery.
The last thing anyone wants is to be “laid up” for an extended period of time, or to experience any type of lingering after effects from surgery. Massage benefits by restoring muscle elasticity where pain has locked it up tight, keeping toxins to a minimum, releasing the Trigger Points, preventing the formation of excessive scarring, and helping to reduce the overall pain levels of the sufferer.
As an example of the differences, imagine a partially dry piece of Playdough, then cut through it with a knife. Edges crumble apart, right? How well will a fresh piece of Playdough be cut? It will stay together, and can easily be reformed again without any telltale signs of having been torn apart, after some kneading of course! (I have kids, so Playdough is my example!)
The tissues of the body react in a similar manner. A hardened muscle full of waste products from constant contraction will have a difficult time reforming afterwards from fibers that were “frayed” and “crumbled” when cut. The only way for them to re-attatch is to form extra scar tissue to fill in the gaps. Scar tissue is hard, tough, usually asthetically undesirable, and difficult to re-shape.
First is a warm-up, generally Swedish techniques, and pressure is kept about medium.
Next is some neck-release work, front and back. Neck trouble can cause masses of Trigger Points within the deepest neck muscles. The most troublesome are the Scalenes, Levators, Upper Traps, Sternocleidomastoid, Platysma, and many more miniscule muscles you probably never realized were there. Myofascial stripping means that the muscle (myo) is separated from the fascia, and done because the continuous tension produced by the experience of pain caused toxin build-up and formation of scar tissue (extra fascia) which causes the rigidity (stiff neck), resulting in loss of motion.
The last bit incorporates Swedish with some stretching and effleurage to empty out the toxins that have been released from the fibers.
Though far from exciting, this video will give you an idea of what is needed to help with pre-surgery. I encourage anyone who is looking at a undergoing surgery of any kind to seek a qualified therapist to help you prepare.
Keep in mind that what you see in this video is a painful experience for the recipient, yet the end result is less pain, more flexibility, enhanced sleep, fewer instances of vertigo, reduction of fatigue, less cramping, and will reduce recovery time for the patient post surgery, a plus for everyone.
Thank You and Namaste!
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