Massage or other pain treatments pre-op?

[Katie]

I was advised by my PT over a year ago to avoid massage therapy until after surgery, as she was afraid of more damage somehow. I have had accupuncture with some good success, but the treatments were an hour away and the drive there and back just about erased any benefit.

After looking into the information you posted about the core muscles Justin, I've realized that I have none While being extremely careful and having hubby there to help, I tried a gentle modified sit up the other day, after he finished his (not too successfully), for a PT test he is getting ready for

I knew to stop when anything even thought about hurting, but I was stunned to find out that I couldn't even get my shoulders off the floor This from a person who used to do 25-30 on a regular basis before my back really starting giving me grief a few years ago. I didn't think I had deteriorated muscle wise that badly I've always been really fit and active until this happened.

So I realize that some of my back pain is muscular and was wondering if anyone else uses massage or any other therapy to help loosen or strengthen your core muscles when we are in this stage, pre-surgery? It is now too late in the season for swimming in our pool and there isn't any other close by.

Is there anything other than acupuncture to safely relieve the muscle tension down the middle of my back? And yes, I know I was stupid to try that sit-up

[Justin]

Is there anything other than acupuncture to safely relieve the muscle tension down the middle of my back? And yes, I know I was stupid to try that sit-up

Katie, I would recommend massage. If you know a skilled massage therapist, they can be a life saver. A good massage will increase lymphatics and subsequently eliminate waste products--your muscles will thank you.

I always inform massage therapists of my surgical history.

[KBear]

I did massage therapy for a few months and it really helped with the muscle pain. It didn't help the disc pain. I quit doing it, because I just couldn't afford to keep doing it.

[Katie]

Thanks guys. But did you do it before you had surgery?

I know that I have a lot of therapy to do post-op, but the physiotherapist I used last year warned me against anything until after surgery because of the pain generated whenever I tried exercises or was touched. She actually stopped treatment.

Do I just have to work through the pain with a good massage therapist?

[Katie]

And yes, I am not looking forward to the bill with this, either way

[KBear]

Thanks guys. But did you do it before you had surgery?

I know that I have a lot of therapy to do post-op, but the physiotherapist I used last year warned me against anything until after surgery because of the pain generated whenever I tried exercises or was touched. She actually stopped treatment.

Do I just have to work through the pain with a good massage therapist?

Yes, mine was all pre-surgery.

[Justin]

Thanks guys. But did you do it before you had surgery?

I know that I have a lot of therapy to do post-op, but the physiotherapist I used last year warned me against anything until after surgery because of the pain generated whenever I tried exercises or was touched. She actually stopped treatment.

Do I just have to work through the pain with a good massage therapist?

I had massages before surgery. They kept me functional. If you have severe nerve pain, you might experience an initial increase in your pain after your massage. However, with the increased lymphatics and removal of inflammatory mediators, this increased sensation of pain should be transient in nature and subside in a few days. (Since you experience pain when you are simply touched, I would start slow with massage: experiment on a limited area and vary the technique to see how your body responds and your subsequent pain level).

And yes, I am not looking forward to the bill with this, either way

Luckily, I found a great massage therapist that gives me the "poor student" discount. I used to only get a massage once every couple of years before I met her.

Good luck. :thumpup:

[Cindylou]

As always, Justin gives very good advice to heed. Aren't we so very lucky to have him?! So I am only seconding what he said, that is, to take it very slow with the massage. I believe pre-surgery is fine to try this. I have had it both pre and post surgery. My p.t. has told me I should be having a massage at least once a week, but I just cannot afford it. I get one maybe once every 3-4 months.