Can Osteopathy Help Me After Surgery?

Any surgery, for whatever reason,, can be a challenging experience for many people. The recovery process is often long, and  can involve pain management, restoring movement, and addressing post-surgical side effects such as scar tissue, muscle tension, and discomfort. Osteopathy is a holistic, hands-on therapy that may offer some benefits to people during their recovery process. Let's look at how osteopathy can offer support for healing and well-being after surgery:

It's common for people to experience body  aches and pains away from the surgery site after surgery. This may be due to muscle tension, changes in posture, or surgical trauma. Osteopathy uses gentle, non-invasive techniques, including soft tissue massage and gentle mobilisation, that can help reduce tension in the muscles and tissues surrounding the surgery site and improve range of motion of stiff joints.

By working with these areas, osteopathic treatment may help to support relaxation in areas that have become tight or sore. This can assist in easing some of the discomfort after surgery, however, it is important to note that each person's recovery journey is unique, and results from osteopathy can vary.

After surgery, scar tissue naturally forms as part of the healing process. In some cases, the tissue can become tight or lead to reduced movement in the surrounding area. Osteopathic treatment may assist in keeping the tissues around scars more mobile, helping to avoid restrictions in movement. Gentle stretching and active movements can encourage tissue flexibility, which may aid in maintaining the natural movement of the body.  It's worth noting that Osteopathy does not replace medical care but can work in conjunction with it in managing the effects of scar tissue when combined with conventional treatments and advice from your healthcare provider.

After surgery, some people unconsciously change their posture to protect the surgical site, leading to issues such as rounded shoulders, neck strain, or back pain. Osteopathy focuses on restoring balance and alignment in the body, which can help address these postural changes.

Using gentle techniques, an osteopath can help support the mobility of joints and muscles, which help to improve posture and relieve tension. However, results will vary depending on the individual.

In some cases, surgery can affect the lymphatic system, particularly if lymph nodes are involved. This disruption can lead to fluid retention and swelling. Osteopathy may incorporate gentle techniques that aim to encourage fluid movement and lymphatic drainage, which can help in reducing swelling. Again, this should always be alongside your post surgery medical team's advice, and not in replacement of it.

The emotional challenges of recovery are as significant as the physical ones. Osteopathy provides a hands-on, patient-centered approach that encourages a sense of body awareness and relaxation. While osteopathy is not a cure for the emotional impact of surgery, many patients find that the gentle, holistic nature of osteopathic care helps them feel more connected to their bodies during recovery. We also have links with many local therapists who can help you with the psychological impact of surgery and will always help you find help when it's needed.

It's important to remember that osteopathy should not be seen as a replacement for conventional medical treatments or advice from your surgical team. We always recommend that  you consult with your doctor or surgeon before starting any new treatment after surgery to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your individual situation. We are always happy to work alongside your medical team to support your journey to good health!

Osteopathy can offer support post surgery by helping to manage discomfort, encourage mobility, and provide a gentle, holistic approach to post-surgical care. Every individual's recovery process is unique, so outcomes can vary. For the best results, osteopathy should be used alongside conventional medical care and under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.