Post-Surgical Massage in Ottawa

Safe, gentle support to reduce swelling, improve mobility, and ease discomfort after surgery.

If you’re recovering from surgery and looking for a post-surgical massage in Ottawa, our Registered Massage Therapists offer gentle, effective care to help you heal more comfortably. Post-surgical massage uses light, supportive techniques to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and ease tension in the areas that are working extra hard during recovery. As a result, many people feel less stiffness, better mobility, and more confidence in their healing.

⭐ Why Post-Surgical Massage Helps

After surgery, the body naturally enters a protective mode. Swelling, inflammation, and scar tissue development are all normal, but they can also create discomfort and limit mobility. Post-surgical massage supports healing because it:

  • Encourages healthy lymphatic flow, helping reduce swelling
  • Softens tight or thickened scar tissue
  • Improves movement in surrounding tissues
  • Reduces compensatory tension in the back, shoulders, hips, or neck
  • Calms the nervous system, which can lower pain sensitivity
  • Supports a more balanced, comfortable recovery

In addition, massage helps you reconnect with your body, which many clients find reassuring after surgery.

⭐ Who Can Benefit From Post-Surgical Massage?

Post-surgical massage may help you heal more comfortably after:

  • Cosmetic procedures (liposuction, tummy tuck, BBL, breast surgery)
  • Orthopedic surgeries (knee, hip, shoulder, ankle)
  • Abdominal surgeries (hernia repair, C-section, hysterectomy)
  • Spinal surgeries
  • Soft-tissue procedures involving scar tissue
  • Post-injury surgical repairs

Because every surgery is different, your therapist adapts the treatment to match your stage of healing.

⭐ What to Expect During Your Session

Your appointment begins with a conversation about your surgery, your recovery so far, and your comfort level. After that, your RMT will use gentle, specific techniques such as:

  • Lymphatic-style movements to reduce swelling
  • Light scar-tissue mobilization (only when appropriate)
  • Soothing massage for areas taking on extra strain
  • Positioning that respects your surgical restrictions
  • Breathing or movement suggestions to support healing at home

Most clients find this treatment calming, reassuring, and supportive during what can be a difficult recovery period.

⭐ When Is It Safe to Start Post-Surgical Massage?

Timing varies depending on the procedure and your healing progress. Some clients begin with very light lymphatic work within 1–2 weeks, while others wait until stitches are removed and incision areas are fully healed.

Timing depends on the type of surgery and how quickly your body is healing. In many cases, very gentle lymphatic-style treatment can begin shortly after surgery, provided you have your surgeon’s clearance. Early sessions focus only on reducing swelling and supporting circulation, while avoiding any pressure near incision sites.

As healing progresses, your therapist may gradually introduce slightly more targeted work. Scar-tissue techniques are only used when appropriate for your stage of recovery and never before your incision has fully closed. Your therapist will always adapt pressure, positioning, and technique to match where you are in your healing timeline.

If you’re unsure when to begin, we’re happy to guide you based on your specific procedure.

As a general guideline:

  • Early phase: gentle lymphatic techniques away from the incision
  • Later phase: gradual scar-tissue work and mobility support

Post-Operative Treatment Plans & Booking Guidelines

Packages and Discounts

Clients booking five or more post-operative lymphatic drainage sessions are eligible for a 10% discount on each treatment within that plan. Payment is made at each appointment, and the discount is automatically applied at checkout. To maintain continuity of care, discounted sessions must be used within the active recovery period unless otherwise clinically indicated. Please note that late cancellations or missed appointments are billed in accordance with clinic policy.

How Often Should You Come?

These are general guidelines to help you plan your care. Your therapist will offer more specific recommendations during your initial consultation:

Week 1: Book two sessions to help manage swelling and discomfort.
Weeks 2–6: Continue weekly sessions to support tissue healing and mobility.
After Week 6: Weekly or biweekly sessions may help with deeper tissue recovery. Scar tissue mobilization may be introduced if appropriate.
After 12 Weeks: Schedule follow-up sessions as needed to maintain long-term comfort and support.

⭐ Why Choose Triada Health Ottawa for Your Recovery?

  • RMTs trained in post-operative + lymphatic techniques
  • A gentle, patient-centred approach that respects your pace
  • A calm, private environment designed for comfort
  • The option to combine care with physiotherapy, chiropractic, or acupuncture
  • Convenient online booking

Your healing timeline is unique. We meet you exactly where you are.

⭐ Related Services for Recovery

To support your healing, you may also benefit from:

⭐ Book Your Post-Surgical Massage in Ottawa

You don’t have to navigate recovery alone. Supportive, gentle care can make a meaningful difference in how you feel day to day. Meet our post-surgical therapist, Carly Smith.
Book your post-surgical massage appointment today or contact us if you have questions about timing or treatment options.