A timeline for massage after top surgery

Recently I received the following email inquiry.

“Hi I'm about a month post op from top surgery, and wonder what your recommended timeline is before I pursue an appointment with you? So far the surgeon’s recommendation is to still only lay on my back and sides, so not sure if I should wait until I get the all clear for everything before requesting an appointment with you?

My response:

Thanks for writing and asking for clarification. 

First, congratulations on your surgery! (I celebrate top surgery SO MUCH!)

Second, the way I approach a session is to understand what type of support you want, with what your body needs and making sure you are comfortable the entire time, both with the session and your body actually being supported physically and mentally so relaxation is possible. The intension is to invite in relaxation and to not overdo.

From what you wrote about being on your back, or on your sides is totally ok. I offer a lot of support with bolstering, adding extra pillows etc so your body is supported and can relax. You can stay in one highly supported place the entire session.

Further the session doesn’t need to, or will, entirely focus on the surgical area, we can support your lymphatic system and overall relaxation as your body recovers. Surgery happened in one area of your body, however surgery and recovery impacts your entire body.

I’ve worked with clients a few days after surgery (numerous types of surgery including top surgery) to weeks and months later. I am comfortably working with clients wherever they are in recovery, and ask numerous questions to ensure a client feels and is understood. Also, if you’ve never received a bodywork / massage session before, that’s ok too.  Please let go of the idea that it will be a deep tissue massage or something painful, as this is not how my sessions are offered. It’s meeting the body and supporting where clients are at in that moment. 

Also I wait until at least six weeks to work on scars. They need time to figure things out.

If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Stacey (they/them)