Medical Massage Therapy for Speedier Breast Augmentation Recovery

Capsular Contracture Symptoms & Treatment

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2015 more than 280,000 women had breast augmentation surgery, and more than 106,000 breast cancer patients received reconstruction after a mastectomy, often with implants. With the increasing popularity and necessity of this surgery, more patients are experiencing a variety of complications related to the implants, to the surgery itself, or to the process of convalescence.

One of the most commonly reported complications is an immune system response known as capsular contracture. This occurs when a foreign object (such as a breast implant) ends up in our body; the body reacts by forming a fibrous lining around it called a “capsule.” Under normal conditions, the capsule that surrounds a breast implant will remain soft, allowing a natural look and feel. But there are times that the body overreacts and over guards by tightening and squeezing the implant.

One of the most powerful and widely prescribed treatments for this complication is medical massage therapy as provided by Soulstice.

Symptoms of Capsular Contracture

Because capsular contracture is the body’s way of over protecting itself from something it doesn’t recognize and preventing impending harm, it tends to be more common after a disease or infection, such as a hematoma or seroma. However, there are times when it occurs for no apparent reason. While it is unpredictable, capsular contracture is the most common complication following breast augmentation.

Grading the Severity

• Grade I – the breast is normally soft and appears natural in size and shape.

• Grade II – the breast is a little firm, but appears normal.

• Grade III – the breast is firm and appears abnormal, there is no pain.

• Grade IV – the breast is hard, painful to the touch, and appears abnormal.

How Is Capsular Contracture Diagnosed?

After your augmentation, you may notice that one or both of your breasts look and feel different, are causing you pain or discomfort, or that they are simply not as soft or natural-feeling as they once were. These symptoms should alert you to make an appointment with your plastic surgeon at once to have your breasts re-examined to determine if you are suffering this complication.

Medical Massage Therapy Helps Patients Avoid Re Surgery

There are two primary treatments for capsular contracture: re surgery (removing and the formed capsule and replacing the implant, or entirely removing both the implant and capsule), or deep massage therapy. Medical massage therapy is the safer and less radical of the two treatments because unlike re surgery, rupturing the implant with massage alone is virtually impossible.

This makes massage the more commonly prescribed treatment as well. At Soulstice we’ve been able to help our clients avoid the need for re surgery due to capsular contracture. It’s hard to know if any particular client’s encapsulating breast would have softened over time without Soulstice Peri-operative Therapy techniques, but the number of our clients who report success is a testament to our treatment.

Sarah’s Story

Sarah came to Soulstice postoperatively, 12 weeks following breast augmentation. Sarah was experiencing extreme discomfort and pain, and was very worried about her healing. Attempting to avoid re surgery, Sarah’s plastic surgeon recommended that she utilize Soulstice’ Peri-operative Therapy for pain reduction and capsular contraction.

Sarah’s Soulstice therapist was able to isolate the hypercontracted musculature and soft tissue tension in her left breast, and to apply a variety of soft tissue techniques, which had a number of benefits, including:

• Improved circulation

• Reduced swelling

• Reduced musculature hyper tension

• Increased lymph flow

Sarah’s treatment also resulted in a calmer nervous system, and we were able to address shoulder and neck compensation. Medical massage therapy may also allow the implant to settle into its proper position, thanks to the overall reduction in local muscle tension.

After a series of treatments, Sarah was able to regain the full range of motion in her left shoulder and entirely eliminated breast and chest pain, so that she was able to return to regular everyday exercise and activity, without resorting to re surgery.

Beyond the physical improvements, Peri-operative Therapy was able to help Sarah navigate psychologically through her uncertain and complex healing process. She was no longer worried that she was going to have to have another surgery with uncertain outcomes, and was supported in her initial choice to undergo elective surgery.

Choosing to undergo any elective cosmetic surgery is often more challenging than a person expects. Be sure to research qualified board-certified surgeons before making your decision, and give us a call for our perspective. We are affiliated with the best surgeons in Denver, and happy to help direct you to a surgeon to best suit your individual needs and personality style.

Yay! White Blood Cells!

Our top priority is offering Peri-Operative and Massage Therapy to our clients, and our second favorite thing to talk about is food and how it can positively affect the healing journey. Instead of focusing on the nasty virus de jour, we decided to focus on our helpful superheroes called white blood cells.

The white blood cells, and in turn the immune system, are responsible to fight infections that are caused by bacterial or viral infections. Emotional state, stress, unhealthy food and lifestyle choices are contributing factors in lowering white blood cell count.

The good news is you can naturally increase white blood cells by adding beautiful foods rich in nutrients into your daily meals. Feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong.

Here are some items to add to your next trip to the grocery store...

Green Tea - full of antioxidants called EGCG that supports immune function and helps the body fight infection

Vitamin C - contained in citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach and red bell peppers. Increases antibodies that fight viruses attempting to enter your body

Omega-3 fatty acids - great news for you pescatarians! These valuable fatty acids are found in fish and protect you from damage that has already occurred. Plant-based options high in Omegas are walnuts and chia, flax and hemp seeds

Vitamin A - orange foods like carrots, papaya and even broccoli increase lymphocytes whose job it is to attack foreign invaders and cancer cells

Probiotics - live and active cultures stimulate your immune system. Most of us immediately think of yogurt. Our favorite choice is the fresh young green coconut water and kefir cultures product called Inner-Eco that is made right here in Denver

Vitamin E - a fat soluble vitamin that helps prevent and fight colds. Just one serving of almonds provides nearly 100% of the daily recommended dose of Vitamin E. Sunflower seeds are also a great choice

There is so much more to healthy nutrition and these are just a few suggestions to empower your health. We suggest you talk to experts who specialize in food-based medicine for more detailed guidance.

Unlock the Health Benefits of Wild Rice After Your Operation

In one of our recent blog posts touting the health benefits of Peri-operative Therapy, we discussed a few of the many ways in which creating and sticking to a healthy food plan can make your recovery after surgery faster and more pleasant.

In one of our tips in that article we mentioned that whole grains are a healthier and tastier choice. We mentioned brown rice in particular because it contains more fiber, protein, potassium, folate, and other important nutrients than does white rice.

Well, get ready to have your mind blown, because one of our readers, who is a health blogger herself, reminded us that there is still another whole grain option for those of us seeking whole grains that are both healthy and delicious: wild rice. And the health benefits of wild rice are even more dramatic than we expected.

Just What is Wild Rice?

Technically, wild rice is not rice at all, but (depending on the variety) the seed of a type of grass. It ranges in color from dark to light brown. In many Native American cultures – particularly those of the upper midwest and stretching into Canada – the health benefits of wild rice were widely known through folkways, and the grain was often considered a sacred part of their religious traditions.

Today, largely thanks to the fact that wild rice health benefits are more widely known, the grain has become a valuable source of income for many of these tribes, as well as a concrete way in which to preserve and protect cultural traditions endangered by the ever-encroaching modern world.

Traditionally, wild rice is harvested by canoe: one worker paddles or pushes slowly through the stand of plants, while another gently bends the tops of the plants over, gently brushing mature grains into the canoe using wooden sticks called ‘knockers.’ Wild rice has been cultivated commercially in the Americas since the 1950s.

The Health Benefits of Wild Rice Make it a Great Addition to Your Post-Op Diet

Writer and blogger Sally Perkins happened upon our blog post last month and was inspired to send us some more information about the health benefits of wild rice, and why it’s such a great addition to your Peri-operative regimen. She also sent us a link to a great resource that she put together on wild rice health benefits. It includes a more detailed breakdown of the important nutrients present, and a nutritional comparison of wild rice versus its white and brown cousins. She takes a look at the heart health benefits of wild rice also.

Sally is a professional writer and blogger with many years of experience across a variety of fields. Sally made the move to freelancing from a corporate career in order to seek a more fruitful work-life balance. When not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and travelling as much as possible.

Here are a few of Sally’s thoughts on how wild rice health benefits extend to postoperative recovery.

"When you're recovering from surgery or an illness, it's more important than ever to help aid your body's recovery with the right food and nutrients. A diet that contains more natural foods that supply these nutrients is a simple way to ensure you're getting everything you need. Wild rice is a long-acknowledged natural food, and as a result it has a host of health benefits that could really help you on your road to full recovery.

The health benefits of wild rice include:

It’s full of antioxidants – This is good for your skin, in terms of promoting general health as well as preventing some signs of aging

It contains a wide variety of nutrients – These help your body stay healthy

It’s a great ‘free-from’ option – Wild rice doesn’t contain gluten, and is low in sodium, calories, & fat

Wild rice naturally contains many vitamins that can help your body heal and become stronger. To ensure your body gets all those great nutrients however, you need to make sure that the wild rice you’re buying truly is what it claims to be. There are a variety of wild rice options for sale, and not all of them are grown and cultivated in a way that means the rice is truly, ‘wild.'

If you're interested in finding out how to select the healthiest version of wild rice, and to explore exactly why this whole grain is so important in aiding your body through recovery, check out my guide to the health benefits of wild rice."

A Wild Rice Recipe

Of course all of these great wild rice health benefits don’t mean anything if you don’t know how to cook wild rice deliciously. Some traditional Native American wild rice recipes included stewing the whole grains with deer broth, sometimes adding maple syrup. Maple syrup was also used to make sweets such as wild rice pudding, or puffed wild rice. Recipes also existed for stuffing wild birds with the delicious grain.

Needless to say, the goal for most of us during recovery isn’t to head out into the woods on a quest. We are simply trying to find out how to cook wild rice as simply and deliciously as possible, because – as Sally’s guide indicates – there is a small possibility that issues could crop up if you don’t store and prepare your wild rice correctly.

To that end, we’ve included one of our favorite wild rice recipes from one of our favorite cookbook authors.

Martha Rose Schulman’s Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

INGREDIENTS

• ½ ounce (1/2 cup) dried porcini mushrooms

• 2 cups boiling water

• 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, as needed

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 ribs celery, diced

• ½ pound cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and sliced thick

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced

• Salt to taste

• ⅔ cup wild rice

• 2 quarts chicken stock, vegetable stock or water

• A bouquet garni made with a few sprigs each thyme and parsley, a bay leaf and a Parmesan rind

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

• Freshly ground pepper to taste

PREPARATION

Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl or a Pyrex measuring cup, and pour on 2 cups boiling water. Let sit for 30 minutes. Set a strainer over a bowl and line it with cheesecloth. Lift the mushrooms from the water, and squeeze them over the strainer. Rinse in several changes of water, squeeze out the water and set aside. Pour the soaking water through the cheesecloth-lined strainer, and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery. Cook, stirring often, until just about tender, about five minutes. Add the sliced fresh mushrooms. Cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are beginning to soften, about three minutes. Add the garlic and a generous pinch of salt.

Continue to cook for about five minutes until the mixture is juicy and fragrant. Add the reconstituted dried mushrooms, the wild rice, bouquet garni, mushroom soaking liquid, stock or water, and salt to taste.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer one hour. Add the peas, and simmer another 10 minutes.

Remove the bouquet garni, taste and adjust salt, add a generous amount of freshly ground pepper and serve.

Combined with Peri-operative Therapy, a healthy food plan – including this delicious wild rice recipe – will help keep your healing process on track. Be sure to check out Sally's work, and call 303-628-0205 to set up your next appointment with Soulstice.

Tips for Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery

In 1995, when we first began treating post-surgical patients, massage therapy and other so-called “alternative,” treatments were just coming to be accepted as viable methods to speed up healing and to provide more favorable surgical outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.

It has always seemed obvious to us that physicians should expand the box of tools available to them to promote post-surgical healing. And over the last several years, the effectiveness of more and more of these basic, evidence-based modalities has been clinically demonstrated – including our own Peri-operative Therapy.

Nutrition & Peri-operative Therapy Help Our Bodies Heal Themselves

Recently, we heard a surgeon state that there’s no need for any post-operative care, because “the body will just heal itself.” While there’s no doubt that our bodies have the extraordinary ability to heal themselves, to say that there’s no need for post-op care, or that post-surgical care is a waste of time or resources, is simply incorrect. In fact, there are many ways we can help our bodies to more efficiently do what they’ve naturally evolved to do.

Overcoming Medical Community Skepticism

As our business has gained momentum, one of the steepest hills we've climbed on our journey has been skepticism regarding ‘alternative medicine,’ from practitioners of the standard, Western model of medical thinking. We’ve had to encourage expanded views about, and perspectives on alternative modalities that can favorably support people’s surgical outcomes.

It has been a pleasure to observe over the past 15 years as physicians have opened up to new treatments and support mechanisms, without the fear of jeopardizing their professional credibility. In fact, today it seems that if a surgeon isn’t integrating some alternative ideas and treatments into their practice, they’re “behind the times” or “old school.”

Besides Peri-operative Therapy, one of the most powerful of these techniques is also one over which you – the patient – have a lot of control: your diet and nutrition.

Last month, we discussed the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. If you follow the link to revisit that article, you’ll find some very solid advice on generally healthy eating, why it’s so important, and how to get started on it.

And for post-surgical patients, many of those tips still apply.

What Should We Eat After Surgery?

A wide variety of solid studies, based on good science indicate that a healthy diet is even more important when you’re in recovery then at normal, lower stress times of your life, and that a healthy diet will help you heal faster and more efficiently.

Whole Foods – This is more of a global suggestion, or strategy than a particular food item. Processed foods, fast food, frozen meals and boxed meals are simply not good for you. When you’re recuperating from a bodily trauma like surgery, the sugar and other highly refined carbs and unhealthy fats inhibit your body’s natural healing processes.

So choose brown rice rather than white rice or pasta, whole grain or whole wheat breads over white breads, whole fruits or vegetables instead of juices. Order a baked potato instead of fries.

Focus on Fiber – Here’s another bit of general advice. One of the most common complications reported by post-surgery patients is constipation. The best weapon against continuation is dietary fiber, so make sure to eat plenty of beans, green vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains.

Protein – Wounds heal faster when you include protein in your diet, and surgical incisions are a type of wound. Keep it relatively lean and make sure to include chicken and eggs (especially the whites), fish (which contain healthy fats like Omega 3s), and even some grass-fed beef, which provides vitamin B (as long as it’s relatively lean, like a sirloin or filet).

Carbohydrates – Another commonly reported complication after surgery is fatigue. Your body has been through a lot during your surgery, and it’s also investing a lot of energy resources in repairing the damage. The right kind of carbohydrates provide the energy you need to heal your incisions, and get some appropriate exercise.

Unrefined carbohydrates are best like beans and legumes (which also supply fiber), whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Healthy fats – Healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, and fish like salmon helps boost your immune response of prevent post-surgery infection, and to expedite your healing process.

A Great Resource for Post-Surgery Diet Information

One of our referring physicians – Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Gregory A. Buford – recognized, based on his years of helping patients heal, that how and what we eat plays a major role in how we heal.

Dr. Buford has presented on this topic at medical conferences nationwide, and has come to be regarded as a leader in the movement to help patients get better faster by helping them make better health choices (including nutrition and massage), both before and after their surgery.

Eat Drink Heal: The Art and Science of Surgical Nutrition, is Dr. Buford's latest book on the topic. In it, he writes about why proper nutrition is important and how to plan for optimal healing before you even go to surgery. This information is meant for anyone scheduled for elective or non-elective surgery. It may quite simply mean the difference between whether you have a smooth or a rough recovery.

Other Steps You Can Take to Help Yourself Heal After Surgery

Soulstice Peri-operative Therapy – integrated manual techniques to assist in post-op rehab

Stop Smoking – Smoking shuts down extremity circulation, and can slow or stop surgical healing. Some surgeons will no longer perform surgery if a patient smokes because of poor long-term outcomes

Exercise – Gentle walking to stimulate lymphatic flow and blood circulation

Meditation – Calms the mind, helps manage pain

Medication – Supplementing with some pharmacology may help with post-surgical pain

Herbal supplements – Like arnica to mitigate bruising

Hydration – This is so important for your energy, to prevent cramping, and to keep your digestive tract functioning properly. If you don’t like drinking water, eat water-filled fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, or jicama.

Rest – Even though your mind may tell you it’s time to get back to your regular routine, your body actually needs up to several weeks to get itself back on track

You can pick up Dr. Buford's book at Amazon.

The way we look at it, if there’s anything that can be done to assist the body’s healing after a surgical procedure, then why not engage it? Take your healthy habits to the next level with therapeutic post-surgical massage. Call 303-628-0205 and set up your next appointment with Soulstice.

Health Care Sharing and the Mediterranean Diet

With the unending barrage of debate about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the American Health Care Act (AHCA), and issues with the insurance industry, it’s important to remember that you do have some other options when it comes to caring for your family. And that in many cases, the options are more affordable and less complicated than the byzantine bureaucracies of the government systems or the insurance industry.

Despite the fact that we are medical professionals at Soulstice, we weren’t really aware of the options until we were introduced to a viable alternative called health care sharing.

A Brief History & Definition of Health Care Sharing

Also known as health care sharing ministries, these organizations are often founded and run in accordance with faith or ethical traditions. As you would guess from the terminology, health care sharing isn’t really insurance, but a way to facilitate the sharing of health care costs among members. Once you become a member, you’re free from the individual mandate part of the ACA.

We did our homework, and our staff really liked the idea of health sharing. Some of us have moved to this model instead of our HMO group plan. The tradition of health cost sharing has been practiced for decades by the Amish, and Mennonites. Our employees were most attracted to Liberty HealthShare because of its exceptional reputation, and because membership in the Mennonite church is not a requirement for membership.

Health care sharing places an emphasis on members taking personal responsibility for their own health, through active living and healthy eating. In fact, the monthly payment members pay is called a ‘personal responsibility,’ rather than an insurance premium. A potential downside might be that members could end up being forced to do a lot of their own price shopping for medical care. In short, besides the monthly personal responsibility, these plans require an investment of time as well.

When a member needs care, they’re typically required to pay the bill themselves, to be reimbursed later by the health share organization. The fact that the initial payment comes directly out of pocket encourages smart choices, such as exercising, hydrating, preventative care, getting enough sleep, and following an eating plan like the Mediterranean Diet that we will discuss below.

Some Physicians Prefer Health Care Sharing to Traditional Medical Insurance

A growing number of physicians have become disenchanted with the current state of health care and have elected to move out from under the governance of health insurance companies. Their solution has been to bring back engaged patient care by becoming a direct primary care (DPC) physician. The health care sharing model allows DPC physicians to partner with their patients in their journey to better overall health, and to coach them through life’s changes, big or small.

Members are encouraged, at minimum, to communicate with their DPC coach once a month, or as often as necessary. More communication may be needed depending on the particulars of a member’s individual health profile. DPC physicians provide patient tips, encouragement, support, and even recipes or adjustments to their daily diet. These programs are custom designed for each member.

Because we were so taken with this concept, we did some research to find a DPC physician we felt comfortable reaching out to as a partner.

Soulstice has aligned with a local DPC physician – Terese Donch, M.D. with Greenwood Village Family Medicine.

Dr. Donch focuses on providing her members with the tools to keep themselves healthy, rather than treating her patients after they become sick. There are obviously a number of factors in a patient's overall health, including sleep habits, exercise and eating habits.

The Mediterranean Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

Most recently, Dr. Donch wrote an article about the important role that diet plays in the prevention of some of our most worrisome diseases. As Hippocrates said, “let food be thy medicine,” and as Mom always said, “eat your vegetables.” The science has finally caught up with Hippocrates and Mom!

The latest studies on the development of Alzheimer's disease suggest that a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits as well as low in simple starches and sugars – essentially a Mediterranean Diet or anti-inflammatory diet - may help prevent development of this dreaded illness. Studies are underway right now to see if the Mediterranean Diet can be used to slow the progression of the disease in Alzheimer's patients who have mild cognitive impairment. Early smaller studies in this area have been promising.

So, what is the Mediterranean Diet?

Boiled down to basics, the Mediterranean Diet is:

• Rich in fish and seafood

• Low in red meat and processed meats like cold cuts

• Very high in vegetables and fruits

• High in beans and nuts

• High in olive oil

• Low in sugar and processed, "white," starches such as bleached flour, white rice, and pasta

Recently, cardiology societies recommend a similar nutritional plan for the prevention of heart disease and stroke. This makes a lot of sense since cardiac disease risk factors are also Alzheimer's disease risk factors.

The anti-inflammatory nature of the Mediterranean Diet may also help prevent cancer, as more and more studies indicate a link between inflammation and cancer development.

Take your healthy habits to the next level and receive therapeutic massage on a regular basis. Call 303-628-0205 and set up your next appointment with Soulstice.

Massage Therapy for Workplace Injuries

How We Work with a Referring Physician to Treat Work-Related Injuries

One of the most important missions of our staff at Soulstice is to become a trusted advisor for physicians and their patients. It’s one thing for physicians to know about us, but to then like us and ultimately entrust their patients into our care is the utmost professional compliment.

In order to accomplish this goal, we prioritize building strong relationships with physicians across medical disciplines, focusing particularly on working with plastic elective and reconstruction physicians. We feel that our particular set of skills can be especially helpful to these patients as they rehab following surgery.

We are continually awestruck to experience how bodies/people respond similarly when faced with any kind of trauma – whether from surgery, sports injury, or work-related injury.

Dr. Christian Updike is one of our most admired referring physicians

We are especially proud of the relationship that we’ve built over the years with Christian Updike, M.D., whose practice treats many patients who have experienced workplace injuries and are receiving Workers Compensation. Dr. Updike cares deeply about his patients, and prescribes a variety of adjunct healthcare modalities, including Soulstice Peri-operative massage therapy, to help his patients achieve optimal outcomes.

Dr. Updike was happy to share his story about working with us.

Recovering from a work-related injury can be an immense challenge. In many cases, patients with musculoskeletal pain receive pain medication and steroid injections from a medical doctor, only to find themselves without relief and progressing toward surgical intervention.

I look for dependable adjunct medical practitioners to best serve my patients, and finding less invasive treatments for musculoskeletal pain can be difficult. These practitioners need to understand the rehabilitation process, how to minimize the number of treatment sessions, recognize the professional hierarchy in medical care, effectively communicate with my patients while being mindful of other practitioners, and cost-effective in producing results.

For those who are not responsive to standard treatment methods, medical massage therapy provides a human element of care that encourages patients to heal and re-engage the normal activities of work and life. Trauma has a profound effect on an individual, and many people who are injured have never had the opportunity to receive massage therapy. They are understandably apprehensive about its value. It is vital to have a massage therapy resource that can be relied upon to provide focused and effective care with a professional attitude. Soulstice, Ltd. is a preferred choice for providing this valuable piece of the healing puzzle.

Soulstice, Ltd. has made my job easier and is a vital resource for my patients. They manage my patient’s care with a high level of customer satisfaction, while being mindful that recovery from trauma requires individual responsibility in the rehabilitation process.

Adding a human element of touch does not detract from the medical process, rather it has helped my patients get back to work faster and engage in the functional activities of life with mindfulness and responsibility.

– Dr. Christian Updike, M.D.
Medical Director of Employee Health for HealthOne Hospital system Occupational Medicine physician

Thank you Dr. Updike for sharing your thoughtful words.

Get back to work with massage therapy for work-related injuries

One of our favorite stories of working with Dr. Updike involved a patient named Eileen, who came to us through Dr. Updike 7 months after experiencing an on the job injury to her lower back at work.

A registered nurse, Eileen was bending over to open a medicine locker when she felt intense pain in her back, causing her to feel nauseous and faint. From that point on, Eileen experienced daily significant pain. In addition, the workplace injury limited her range of motion through her right hip, making it difficult to walk, work, and sleep.

This was an emotionally devastating blow to Eileen – she was less than a year from retirement, and had been planning to use her time post-career to achieve a life’s goal of hiking every national park.

She met with a neurosurgeon who proposed surgical intervention to address her nerve pain, but Eileen insisted on pursuing other avenues of treatment before resorting to surgery.

Upon her arrival at Soulstice, Eileen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive holistic, non-narcotic care for her pain. Her treatment confirmed her hopes for pain relief:

• She reported a significant reduction in pain

• Felt a renewed sense of optimism for her recovery

• Experienced improved range of motion

• Was better able to cope with the physical demands of her profession

• Four months after coming to us, Eileen has begun hiking again!

She also received an education on posture and body mechanics, which she was able to easily incorporate into her daily life to great benefit, and continued to report an increased awareness of how she utilized her body.

She experiences longer periods of pain reduction following each treatment, and has been able to identify which activities in her life tend to aggravate her injury. The combination of treatment and education has benefitted Eileen immensely, giving her immediate relief, as well as tools and knowledge which she can apply to her daily life.

She continues to express gratitude every session, and recently met with her neurosurgeon again, this time to say she feels the surgery is no longer a necessity due to the benefits she has received with complementary care at Soulstice.

We are proud to help patients like Eileen get back on their feet faster and more efficiently.

If you've experienced a workplace injury, you too can get all the benefits of Per-operative massage. Ask your doctor, then call 303-628-0205 or email soulstice to set up a meeting with one of our licensed and specially trained massage therapists.

Benefits of Organic Food for Your Health & Planet

Food tasting and recipe sharing is a tie that binds us here at Soulstice. Food brings us together in a variety of ways and we realize that what we eat is an essential element in our overall health and well-being.

That’s why we became curious about the benefits of organic food. Lucky for us, we have a handy resource, right here in our office with a great perspective and a lot of knowledge about how organic farming and organic food can help keep our bodies and our planet in the best of health.

Why Organic Food?

It’s common knowledge that our mothers were right. Eating fruits and vegetables is essential to maintain our bodies, and help us to live a long, healthy life. These foods are filled with minerals, antioxidants, phenols, fiber, flavonoids and other nutrients that support and protect us.

But Not All Fruits & Vegetables Are Created Equal.

There is a great deal of scientific evidence indicating that organic foods have greater concentrations of these beneficial nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. So much so that over the last several years, organic food has become sort of a buzzword in the health, nutrition, and agricultural arenas.

So what separates organic farming from conventional farming? What are the benefits of eating organic fruits and organic vegetables as opposed to standard produce?

Organic farming relies on organic fertilizers of organic origin such as compost, manure, green manure, and bone meal rather than so-called chemical fertilizers. It places a strong emphasis on such farming techniques as crop rotation, companion planting, mixed cropping, and the fostering of insect predators – all of which serve to keep pests and invasive weeds under control, without resorting to synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Enhanced Appearance. Heightened Nutrition. Intensified Flavor.

Much like comparing a homegrown tomato with a GMO “flavr savr” tomato, bought at the store in winter, one of the benefits of organic food the sometimes huge difference in taste, appearance and nutrition.

As far as nutrition goes, one study indicates that organically grown blueberries have much higher levels of antioxidants, phenol, and anthocyanin content than conventional berries. Another study shows that levels of beneficial flavonoids in tomatoes, such as quercetin, were 79-97% higher in organic versus conventional produce. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, meanwhile, confirmed that concentrations of antioxidants such as polyphenols were between 18-69% higher in organic crops than in conventional crops, not to mention that organics were 50% less likely to contain toxic heavy metals like cadmium.

The end results of all these characteristics include:

• Lower adult obesity and type-2 diabetes rates

• Reduced cardiovascular disease rates

• Lower exposure to pesticides through food, improving cognitive development

• Lower prevalence of adolescent allergies

• Higher levels of antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, due to reduced processing in organic produce

Organic crops are healthier because they are challenged by pests and disease, causing them to produce antioxidants, phenols, flavonoids and other compounds to defend themselves. These compounds in turn benefit our bodies in a myriad of ways.

A USDA study determined that 73% of conventional produce on store shelves was contaminated with at least one pesticide, compared to 23% of organic crops.

In addition, many of today’s commonly used pesticides are known endocrine disruptors, and/or neurotoxins. Finally, meta-data studies strongly correlate pesticide exposure to impaired brain development in children.

Nutrition Is Only One Reason to Choose Organic Food Over Conventional Food

There are a number of environmental reasons to choose organic fruits and organic vegetables as well. Choosing organic produce reduces the amount of nitrate pollution from fertilizer runoff that results in ocean dead zones. Organic farming also promotes a healthy soil microbiome – reducing runoff, sequestering carbon, and making available soil nutrients for plants. Ultimately this leads to more nutrition for us.

A long-running USDA program pitting organic farming against conventional farming for environmental impacts largely concurs, finding that organic systems in the test:

• Have more-fertile soil

• Use less fertilizer and much less herbicide

• Use less energy to produce the produce

• Lock away more carbon in the soil

• Are more profitable for farmers

So all of these results are very compelling. Every time you buy organic food instead of conventional, you are improving your own health and that of the planet. Please vote with your dollar next time you shop, or better yet, grow your own!

Dane Vander Wall, Food Lover

Dane’s dad, Dr. Scott Vander Wall, DC, PC, is one of the health providers in our office. Check out his website to learn more about his practice: Heartwood Soft Tissue Balancing

And once you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal including plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, don’t forget to even further enhance your healthy habits with a visit to Soulstice. Call 303-628-0205 to set your appointment.

Oncology Massage Therapy Helps Patients Relax, Cope, and Feel Well

Improved Mesothelioma Prognosis, and Other Benefits for Those Living with Cancer

While so-called alternative medical practices are often still ignored when patients are facing or recovering from life-threatening illnesses like cancer, over the last several years patients and practitioners alike have been coming around to a different, more inclusive view of these complementary treatments. One of the most popular and powerful of these treatments is oncology massage therapy.

It’s important to note here that while massage therapy is not a cure for cancer, the healing human touch of Soulstice’s peri-operative and massage therapy can improve the prognosis for mesothelioma, breast cancer, and for other oncology patients fighting many forms of the disease. Oncology massage provides pain relief and relaxation, and can restore a feeling of control over one’s life and health when it feels as if everything else is spinning out of control.

Massage therapy helps heal the profound effects of trauma experienced by cancer patients

When standard treatments cannot give full relief, massage provides the human element of care so critical for helping patients heal and re-engage with the normal activities, routines, and pleasures of their family, work and life. Unfortunately, because the acceptance of complementary treatments is a relatively recent phenomenon in the community of oncology providers, many cancer patients have never had the opportunity to receive massage therapy.

Understandably patients may be apprehensive about its value, or unsure where they can find a qualified massage professional. It is vital to have a massage therapy resource that can be relied upon to provide focused and effective care with a professional attitude.

Oncology Massage is a Specialty with Real Benefits for Patients

Massage therapists are licensed and trained healthcare professionals who provide benefits ranging from overall relaxation to relief of specific types of pain. Oncology massage therapists have undergone even more specialized training to provide benefits to persons living with cancer.

Qualified therapists know that cancer patients have specific needs and certain limitations. These therapists have been trained to use gentle health maintenance massage techniques to provide relief from stress, pain, anxiety, stiffness, nausea, fatigue, and other complaints of living with cancer, and of alleviating the often intense discomfort of the side effects of its treatments.

How Massage Helps Oncology Patients

There are many ways in which oncology massage has been proven to help mesothelioma patients, and others living with, or in recovery from cancer. From reports from individuals to organized academic studies, the proof is overwhelming that massage can provide relief in a number of ways regardless of where you are in your cancer journey:

Pain relief – Massage therapy is well-known as an integrative, non-pharmaceutical strategy for reducing pain. Cancer patients may experience considerable pain specific to their ailment, and even a small reduction of that pain through massage can make a huge difference in their quality of life. It also reduces dependence on strong painkillers.

Stress relief – Perhaps the number one reason that anyone seeks out the services of a massage therapist is for stress reduction, a major concern for those living with cancer. Massage can help reduce anxiety before or after a medical procedure, or simply provide necessary overall relief of general stress.

Reduced nausea – Nausea is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, which most cancer patients eventually endure. Massage has been shown to take the edge off this nausea, reducing vomiting and helping to increase appetite and prevent weight loss.

Energy boost – Fatigue is another major complaint of people living with cancer. Oncology massage is a great option to help get a boost of energy. It is invigorating and helps patients feel rested, soothed, and less fatigued.

Better mobility – Cancer patients often become less active because they don’t feel well, they have become weaker, and they experience fatigue. Massage therapy can provide enough relief from these symptoms to help patients restore some mobility to to become more active.

Massage Changes Perceptions

Perceptions and beliefs are powerful healing tools. When a cancer patient believes herself to be healthier and more comfortable, she is. A recent study found that when cancer patients were given massage therapy as part of an integrative wellness approach to treatment, they perceived themselves to be healthier. They also reported having an improved quality of life. These powerful impressions are important to the healing process, and to the ability of a cancer patient to still get joy out of living.

If you are a cancer patient, you too can get all the benefits of oncology massage. Ask your doctor first, and then call 303-628-0205 or email Soulstice to set up a meeting with one of our licensed and specially trained oncology massage therapists.

Benefits of massage therapy for cosmetic-surgery patients

As Seen In MASSAGE Magazine July 2013

People who choose to enhance their body with elective cosmetic surgery do so to improve their appearance and quality of life. After determining what body, breast or facial procedure is best for them, a client will often consult with a few surgeons to select the best fit for them. They are eager to have their outward appearance match how they feel on the inside.

Even with considerable preparation and planning for an elective surgery, what people experience after their surgery is often unexpected. Pain, swelling, bruising, postural guarding of the surgical site and fatigue often take surgical clients by surprise. Many patients experience slower than expected (or planned for) healing, hormonal imbalances, difficulty sleeping, unsupportive family members, and depression - resulting in ‘buyers-remorse’. Some people have unforeseen surgical complications, dysesthesias (abnormal sensations), and negative side affects from pain medications and anesthesia. Most clients feel overwhelmed during the healing process, so this is the prime time for post-surgical massage therapy.

Support, guidance, education, monitoring and encouragement during the recovery process are the main benefits of Peri-operative Therapy for cosmetic surgery clients. Our clients have said that just getting dressed and coming to our office is helpful. The movement encourages lymph flow and postural patterning, and a relaxing environment is a mood enhancer. In the acute phase (from the time of surgery to several days post-surgery), lymph drainage techniques facilitate the movement of excess swelling thru the lymph system and away from the surgical site. In the sub-acute phase (a couple weeks to a couple months later) when the surgical sites are healed and sealed, scar work and light fascial work with passive range of motion softens the tissue. This allows normal movement of surrounding tissue and activates neuromuscular regeneration. In the chronic phase (several months to a full year later), techniques addressing postural distortion from guarding and learning to use their ‘newly improved’ body are appropriate.

Beneficial massage techniques

It is our observation that the human body does not know the difference between an elective cosmetic surgery in a beautiful surgical suite and/or a traumatic event resulting in a physical injury such as a car or work-related accident. Therefore, the tools medically-based massage therapists use on a daily basis are incorporated to address swelling, scarring and postural distortion related to the surgical experience and the phases of healing.

Integrated techniques such as lymph drainage, scar manipulation and fascial reorganization are used as the therapist sees fit and depending on what phase of healing and emotional state the client presents. However, it is how and when these techniques are used along with a great deal of patience, listening, and compassion that brings the greatest recovery benefit.

The prevalence and growth of massage used for cosmetic-surgery

Massage therapy after cosmetic surgery is a requirement in many other countries. We have clients who travelled to South America (Brazil), Europe (Germany) and Asia (Korea) for their procedure because they offer a ‘holistic’ surgical experience that includes multiple sessions of post-operative massage – usually on a daily basis for at least 10 days post-op. Our hope is to expand this level of service here to the United States, and become accepted as ancillary providers to all surgeons as part of the rehab team. This is the perfect time to offer high level, specialized massage therapy services because healthcare is becoming a consumer driven market.

Gone are the days where everything is covered by health insurance. We now hold ourselves accountable to make educated decisions regarding our continued health and longevity. More people are making massage a part of their healthcare strategy. This gives massage therapists a new opportunity to create niche specialties, such as Peri-operative Therapy, for surgical clients’ recovery plan.

Networking with cosmetic surgeons

The easiest and most fun way to get started is to determine which of your clients and/or friends has received a cosmetic surgery. Take the time to research the surgeon’s website and then call their office to let them know you are part of their client’s healthcare team. Suggest scheduling a “lunch and learn” to get to know one another. During your meeting share the value of post-operative massage and its many benefits to the client and to the plastic surgeons’ business. This is the time to build relationships and work towards becoming the surgeons’ trusted advisor.

Another effective networking opportunity is for you to ask your client if you can go to a follow up visit with them. This is a great way to understand what the doctor expects regarding post-surgical healing phases. Ask specific questions about things like: how they surgically tightened the muscles and tissue in a facelift or tummy tuck; how much fat was removed and in what body regions during liposuction; was the breast implant sub-pectoralis or sub-glandular for a breast augmentation.

The most amazing and critical learning experience for the Peri-operative Therapist is to actually “scrub in” and observe surgical procedures first hand. There is nothing better than to walk thru the whole process with the client from wheeling them into the surgical suite, witnessing the affect of anesthesia, feeling the synergy of the surgical staff, watching the precision and diligence of the surgeon, and sensing the attention of everyone on the patient needs. Every time we observe a surgery we bring the experience back to the office for discussion to learn how we may bring additional value to each of our patients.

Our experience is that most cosmetic surgeons and their staff are passionate about the outcome of the surgical procedure and invested in the level of their client’s satisfaction. They usually welcome ideas that help clients heal faster with less pain or discomfort. We tell them, “our services begin after the surgeon has done their magic”, meaning we take the client by the hand down the road of recovery through their phases of healing. We are literally an extension of their surgical process.

Choosing to provide Peri-operative Therapy is more than simply adding another massage technique to your technique ‘tool belt’. Peri-operative Therapy is a stand-alone specialty, raising the bar of the massage industry by integrating with the medical community.

Download the PDF of this article by clicking here.

Ann Brooks, RMT

Ann Brooks, RMT, has practiced massage for injury clients since 2001. In 2004, she began treating clients recovering from reconstructive and cosmetic surgical procedures. Prior to her massage therapy career, Ann worked within the managed care industry for 15 years which enables her to effectively communicate with the medical and insurance community.

Kent Lemburg, NCBTMB

Kent Lemburg, NCBTMB, has practiced medically-based massage therapy since 1991. Kent began treating cosmetic surgery patients in 1995, and has assisted hundreds of clients following their varying cosmetic surgical procedures. He desires to expand understanding, knowledge, and usefulness of Peri-operative Therapy to the massage and medical community.

Ann Brooks, RMT and Kent Lemburg, NCBTMB co-own Soulstice, Ltd., a peri-operative and massage therapy company in Englewood, CO. www.SoulsticeWellness.com

Peri-operative Therapy for Cardiac Surgery Pain

Quicker, More Efficient Surgery Recovery

Over the last few years, we’ve noticed a dramatic increase in clinical evidence showing that incorporating massage therapy as part of surgery recovery can be of great benefit. Post-operative patients often struggle to manage both physical pain and emotional distress, and recent research indicates that peri-operative massage treatments have both physiological and psychological benefits.

Some of the most powerful evidence we’ve seen for this proposition comes from a study published in 2015 Massage and Bodywork, the professional journal of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals – our industry’s professional association.

Massage Therapy for Cardiac Surgery Pain

The article argues that cardiac patients who accessed post-operative massage therapy tended to have a quicker, less painful surgery recovery than those who did not. The article further lays out some specific ideas for how patients can effectively incorporate massage therapy into their recovery process.

At Soulstice, we’ve been putting this theory into practice for decades, helping people to heal faster and more efficiently after all kinds of surgical procedures. Soulstice Peri-operative Therapy specialty services are effective because of our 2-pronged approach:

1. The physiology – Manipulating soft tissue increases blood circulation. Our integrated manual techniques increase blood flow to traumatized tissue down to the cellular level. Blood is the deliverer of oxygen and nutrients to help traumatized tissue heal. We also facilitate lymph flow. The lymph system is the body's filtration system, and helps reduce post-surgical swelling.

2. The human connection and relationship building – We got our start by treating patients who'd undergone plastic elective and reconstructive surgery procedures. When they found themselves suffering from surgical pain, and healing more slowly than expected, they turned to us – not only for the physical relief we were able to give, but for the human touch and strong relationships that are critical to our success to help our patients heal their spirits and emotions, as well as their bodies.

Today, we’ve recognized that the body responds similarly to any surgical trauma. This realization has empowered us to to approach all surgeries in a similar manner including cardiac surgery, as described in the article.

Massage Therapy for Cardiac Surgery Pain

By Jerrilyn Cambron
[Somatic Research]

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 51.4 million Americans have inpatient surgery each year, with the majority focusing on heart procedures such as cardiac catheterizations, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.1 Postsurgical pain management is essential for comfort and recovery. Narcotic sedatives may relieve the pain, but they can also lead to respiratory suppression, nausea, and constipation. Massage therapy is an adjunct therapy that might relieve some of the postsurgical pain while patients are in acute and critical care units.

In a recent Canadian study, 40 subjects were randomized to hand massage versus hand-holding for pain after cardiac inpatient surgery.2 The use of hand massage was chosen due to the ease of access for the massage, as well as the likely patient comfort regardless of patient body position.

Potential subjects were approached the day before the surgery to determine their interest and eligibility. Inclusion criteria for the study were: 18 years of age and older, able to speak French or English, elective cardiac surgery requiring sternal incision (such as bypass surgery or valve replacement), ejection fraction of 35 percent or more, and ability to answer questions and self-report pain.

Patients at higher risk of postoperative complications were excluded, as well as those with abnormalities to one or both hands. Specific exclusion criteria included: documented diagnosis of cognitive or psychiatric disorder, pulmonary artery pressure >50mm Hg, right ventricular failure, and body mass index >30.

Subjects were randomized to receive either hand massage intervention (n=21) or the control intervention of holding hands (n=19). The same research nurse performed both interventions. This nurse was trained to do hand massage during a 10-hour workshop. All subjects received their intervention 30 minutes after a dose of morphine, and each intervention was repeated two to three times within 24 hours after admission to the ICU.

The massage intervention started with closing the curtains, placing a “do not disturb” sign on the door, and reducing other intrusions that might affect relaxation. Next, the nurse applied lavender cream to the right hand and wrist followed by 5 minutes of massage on the palm and back of the right hand. The same procedure was repeated on the left hand. The research nurse remained silent during the massage intervention. The total time spent with the subject was 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes of rest.

The control group included the same process of initiating a relaxing environment and applying lavender cream to the hand. But, instead of performing hand massage, the research nurse held the subject’s right hand and then left hand in her hands for 5 minutes each without performing massage. The total time spent with the subject was 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes of rest.

The main outcome measured in this study was pain. Pain was measured using three validated scales: a 0–10 numeric rating scale called the Faces Pain Thermometer (FPT), the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) for pain behaviors, and the Brief Pain Inventory for global experience of pain after ICU discharge. Secondary outcomes included muscle tension (assessed by the research nurse) and the subject’s vital signs such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory (breathing) rate, and pulse oximetry (amount of oxygen in the blood).

The self-rated numeric pain rating scale did not demonstrate a significant difference between the two groups after the first massage; however, there was a trend toward statistically significant differences between the groups after the second massage. The third massage demonstrated a statistically significant difference in pain favoring the massage group.

In terms of pain behaviors measured by the CPOT, such as facial expression and body movements, there were statistically significant differences between the groups 30 minutes after the first intervention with massage leading to better scores. The massage group again trended toward improvement compared to the hand-holding group after the second massage. After the third massage, there was no difference in pain behaviors between groups.

Muscle tension was significantly less in the massage group compared to the hand-holding group after the third massage, with the massage group demonstrating more relaxed muscles 30 minutes after the massage. This difference did not occur after the first or second massage. No other outcome measures demonstrated significant differences between the two groups.

Overall, this study demonstrated that pain and pain behaviors were significantly improved in the hand-massage group compared to the hand-holding group. Interestingly, the differences in pain behaviors were seen during the first and second interventions, whereas the differences in measured pain were seen during the third intervention, indicating that change in behavior might occur before a noticeable decrease of measured pain occurs.

One limitation in this pilot study was the small sample size. This small number further decreased by the third intervention due to the subjects transferring out of the ICU. A second limitation was the higher baseline pain level in the massage group (an average of 3.6 out of 10) compared to the hand-holding group (2.4 out of 10). These differences might have affected the amount of pain reduction measured because lower levels of pain are less likely to decrease at the same rate as higher levels of pain. A third limitation is that the duration and frequency of treatment might not be adequate for optimal benefits.

In a similar Iranian clinical trial, 74 patients who received coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery were randomized to a group that received massage by a trained relative versus standard care.3 Subjects were screened the day before surgery. They were included if they were a candidate for CABG; willing to participate in the research; 18–70 years old; hospitalized for at least three days after the operation; oriented to person, place, and time; did not use narcotics or alcoholic drinks during the last two months; had no history of nervous, neurovascular, psychiatric, or respiratory disturbances; and did not have coagulation disorders. Exclusion criteria included severe pain after cardiac surgery, reduction of level of consciousness, instability in hemodynamic status, unwilling to continue cooperation, presence of coagulation problems, and suffering from chronic pain.

On the third day after the surgery, subjects were randomized to either massage or standard care control. The massage was performed by a family member who was trained for 60–90 minutes and also received an educational CD for home viewing. The research nurse taught and approved each participating family member, most of which were the patient’s children (68.6 percent).

The massage intervention was the Thailand classic method performed with sweet almond oil under the nurse’s supervision for 30 minutes. Massage was based on the patient’s tolerance and could include the back, lumbar, shoulders, arms, forearms, palm and fingers of both hands, thighs, foreleg, soles, insteps and toes, abdomen, and neck. The single intervention was performed when the patient was transferred from ICU to the cardiac surgery unit on the third day after the operation.

Pain was measured using McGill’s Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with a line numbered 0–10 and was collected before the massage, as well as 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 2 hours after the intervention. The control group received routine care and their pain rating was collected on the third day after surgery at the same time intervals.

The average initial pain levels were 6.6 out of 10 in the intervention group and 7.1 in the control group. Immediately after the intervention, the respective pain levels were 3.4 and 7.1. After 30 minutes, the pain levels were 3.0 and 7.1. After 60 minutes they were 2.8 and 7.1, and after 120 minutes they were 3.3 and 7.2. All results demonstrated significant differences between the groups, with the massage group having a higher level of improvement. All of the patients in the intervention group were satisfied with massage therapy.

Limitations of this study include not having a consistent massage treatment protocol completed by a trained massage therapist. Even though the family members were trained in massage, it was minimal compared to that of a licensed massage therapist. Findings might have been even more improved if a trained therapist was utilized. Second, reduction in pain may have been overestimated because of the positive attention shown by the family member to the patient. Third, there was no mention of pain medication used by the patients in either group, which may have affected the pain outcomes. Finally, it is unknown if the pain reduction lasted beyond 2 hours.

Conclusions

Overall, the following conclusions can be made:

1. Patients in the ICU and cardiac ward who underwent cardiac surgery appeared to have a reduction in pain with massage therapy.

2. The duration and type of care that demonstrated benefits included three 15-minute hand massages by a trained research nurse, and a single 30-minute full-body massage by a trained family member.

3. Massage type, duration, and frequency will most likely affect the outcomes. Currently, the best protocol for surgical cardiac patients is not known. More research is needed.

4. Even though no adverse events were disclosed in these articles, each patient is different. Be sure you discuss any massage protocol with your client’s cardiologist and health-care team prior to providing a postsurgical massage.

Notes

1. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Inpatient Surgery,” accessed July 2015, www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/inpatient-surgery.htm.

2. M. Boitor et al., “Evaluation of the Preliminary Effectiveness of Hand Massage Therapy on Postoperative Pain of Adults in the Intensive Care Unit After Cardiac Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial,” Pain Management Nursing 16, no. 3 (June 2015): 354–66.

3. S. S. Najafi et al., “The Effect of Massage Therapy by Patients' Companions on Severity of Pain in the Patients Undergoing Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial,” International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery 2, no. 3 (July 2014): 128–35.

Jerrilyn Cambron, DC, PhD, MPH, LMT, is an educator at the National University of Health Sciences and president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. Contact her at jcambron@nuhs.edu.

Benefits of Massage for Mother, Baby & Pregnancy

Massage affects most systems of the body. By utilizing a wide variety of soft tissue techniques, massage therapy addresses muscle tension, blood circulation, and the flow of the lymphatic system. Therefore, it's easy to conclude that massage therapy is an excellent way to help mothers to be.

There are a number of peri-natal massage therapy benefits:

• Reduces Pain

• Improves circulation

• Minimizes swelling

• Decreases stress and anxiety

• Improves sleep

• Reduces muscle tension

• Oxygenates soft tissue

Blood is Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner to Our Soft Tissue

Massaging a bodies' soft tissue increases systemic blood flow. Blood is the deliverer of nutrients and oxygen and not only helps the mother-to-be by relaxing tight muscles, supporting flexing joints, reducing swelling and helping to deliver blood to the fetus.

The Lymph System and Massage

The lymphatic system is our bodies' filtration system helping to improve immune function and reduce edema. There isn't a heart to pump the lymph fluid. Instead lymph is primarily moved by muscle contraction and gravity. Manual stimulation of the lymphatic vessels helps the body reduce excess fluid retention. For pregnancy, they lymph system often isn't working as efficiently. Swelling will become greater in the extremities.

Massage to Reduce the Stress of Pregnancy

Massage therapy has proven to lower the levels of stress hormones during pregnancy. Studies show hormones are significantly reduced when relaxation occurs. Norepinephrine and cortisol are two stress hormones that are affected when stress levels fluctuate. One study shows that women who received bi-weekly massage, for 5 weeks, experienced decreased levels of cortisol and norepinephrine, and increased levels of dopamine and serotonin (associated with depression when levels are low). By decreasing a mother's stress hormone levels, with the help of massage therapy, there are fewer complications during birth.

Cesareans and Peri-operative Therapy

This is Soulstice’s specialty! When recovering from your birth, naturally or by cesarean, Peri-operative Therapy is a must. In the first few weeks of recovery our expert therapists focus on your lymphatic system, helping your body to remove not only the toxins from medications from surgery but also the swelling surrounding the incision site. Once the incision has sealed itself we are able to work directly over and surrounding the incision to improve and reduce the developing scar tissue.

_____

Field, T. (1999). Pregnant Women Benefit From Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar;20(1):31-8.

Field, T. (2004). Massage Therapy Effects on Depressed Pregnant Women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jun;25(2):115-22.

Heimlich, Patti, RMT, CD, ICCE, The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy, Labor & Postpartum. www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/houston/massage/htm. Article accessed online 10/18/2007.

Howell ,Julie, NMT, PMT, Prenatal Health Through Massage Therapy: For Women and Their Babies. www.newlifejournal.com/decjan03/howell/01/03/full.shtml. Article accessed online 10/18/2007.

Massage Therapy and Work-Related Injuries

A repetitive motion injury, or RSD (Repetitive Stress Disorder), is the cumulative effect of doing something over and over causing a sustained injury. Symptoms of an RSD build up over time and eventually cause significant stress and physical pain. Effects can cause exhaustion and weigh heavy on the mind, getting in the way of optimal work performance. People with RSD, often try a number of self-care methods: wearing a wrist brace for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, hiring an ergonomic specialist, or using a standing desk for lower back issues. When RSD ‘stick and stay’ symptoms finally result in a Worker’s Comp claim, we are a resource to help you get better.

We also treat many Worker’s Comp patients due to trips, falls, or blunt force traumas. Sudden injuries like these take their toll on our bodies in a completely different way, and are especially traumatic. One moment a person was healthy and performing their expected job duties, and next they were unexpectedly injured. For people who aren’t able work due to their work-related injury, the time off may be a welcome break to heal. However, too much time off may result in depression, frustration and anxiety.

Physicians are more often recommending massage therapy to help their patients heal from a work-related injury. Massage therapy calms a hypersensitive nervous system, relaxes tense muscles, releases painful trigger points, increases joint range of motion, combats stress and anxiety and reduces post-operative bruising and swelling. We have especially noticed that massage therapy can reduce a patient’s need for pain medication.

Soulstice massage therapy is a helpful technique in conjunction with other healthcare modalities: physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, Pilates or yoga.

In addition to massage therapy, we may also incorporate: ice to reduce inflammation, deep moist heat to increase circulation and calm tense muscles, electrical stimulation to flush deep inflammation, cupping to lift the tissue and reduce adhesions, lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling or bruising, or craniosacral therapy to restore balance to your nervous system and facilitate release from the inside out. Each session is tailored to our client’s individual needs and help them feel better with each passing day.

Whatever your specific needs, our goal is to listen to address your complaints efficiently and effectively with sensitivity and expertise.

Additional Post-surgical Therapies to Hasten Recovery

In addition to Soulstice, Ltd. Peri-operative Therapy specialty services, there are other effective modalities that assist people following surgical procedures.

Acupuncture

According to a 2007 study published out of Duke University Medical Center, the use of acupuncture (the ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles into the body) before and during surgery reduces pain during surgery, minimizes the side effects of painkillers, and decreases the need for painkillers.

Reiki

Reiki is an energy healing therapy created in Japan that is believed to lessen stress reduce pain, and cure illness. Some surgeons, like Dr. Mehmet Oz of Oprah fame, opt to use the therapy during surgery to help patients relax. Some Soulstice, Ltd. therapists are Reiki masters and will also include this modality as part of their post-surgical tool kit.

Acupressure

This ancient treatment involves touching pressure points on the body as a way to help the body ‘self cure.’ A 2008 study by the University of California, Irvine, suggests that children who are administered acupuncture while undergoing anesthesia for surgery experience less anxiety.

The Body Remodel of Liposuction

As part of ongoing training for our specialty service, Peri-operative Therapy, our therapists have the unique opportunity to observe surgeries from our referring physicians. Laurie, a seasoned Soulstice Peri-operative Therapist, recently observed a liposuction procedure. The plastic surgeon drew an analogy that we can all relate to, and Laurie’s story helps us see more clearly into our mysterious bodies…

I recently observed a liposuction procedure performed by one of our referring plastic surgeons in the Denver metro area. A fascinating experience in itself as the physician explained what she was doing (and why) throughout the surgery. Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing some of the fat deposits in the body. It is most effective in the hips, flanks, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and neck.

The doctor discussed some of the things that occur with the rest of the body when fat is removed from these problem areas. One point that stuck in my mind was what happens to the remaining fat cells in the body after the surgery. Our body simply stores it's fat in the remaining adipose (fat) cells! So as you consume food, the body will look for other locations to store this energy.

The surgeon used the following analogy:

It’s like remodeling your kitchen with fewer storage cabinets. Consuming food is the equivalent of purchasing groceries, and instead of having all the kitchen cabinet space that you once had to place these groceries, you have to find other areas in your house to store them. Therefore, if the same amount, or type, of food is consumed as before the surgery, this may present a problem for your body. As with purchasing the same amount of groceries with a smaller kitchen space... where will it store the fat? The body will continue to store the fat in places where it still has fat cells, and this may result in an unwanted pattern of grocery distribution in the newly remodeled, smaller kitchen (your body).

Liposuction is a highly effective procedure for people who want to remodel their fat composition. We have the opportunity to design a more aesthetically desirable home in our body surgically, but the rest of the remodeling effort is the ongoing care and attention to how we are stocking our shelves moving forward.

Soulstice Peri-operative Therapy is an integrated technique that assists surgical patients in their rehab process. We help people heal faster and feel empowered post surgically by offering an integrated therapeutic approach through the phases of healing.

Phases of Healing Following Surgery

Undergoing surgery of any kind is a traumatic experience, and your time spent healing can be a painful, daunting, stressful process. For many people, the questions that arise during their recovery can morph into an endless stream of confusion.

“Am I supposed to feel this way?”

“Is this how I’m supposed to look?”

“When will I feel better?”

All of these questions are perfectly normal, but when they go without answers, the growing anxiety can become an obstacle in your recovery. By making a choice to actively participate in your own healing, you are directing your awareness out of your anxious mind and into your recovering body, with its innate ability to heal successfully. At Soulstice, we provide Peri-operative Therapy, a gentle approach for surgical patients that facilitates accelerated healing. Along with Peri-operative Therapy, we provide support and guidance, educating you and your body along every phase of your healing journey.

With any surgery – be it elective or reconstructive plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, or OB/GYN – there are three distinct phases of healing that your body passes through as it repairs itself. Understanding these stages, as well as the support Soulstice provides along the way, helps take the mystery out of the recovery process.

Acute, or Inflammatory Phase

The inflammatory phase begins immediately following your surgical procedure and is characterized by swelling, redness, and pain. This stage can last from a few days up to six weeks, and it is during this time that your body is doing all it can to protect the affected area. This sense of guarding can echo into your mental state as well – many people tend to hole up in their homes to heal in private. For people undergoing surgery, dramatic changes in appearance coupled with bruising and swelling can further contribute to this quiet isolation. It is during this initial week following surgery that you feel inclined to withdraw, stay inside, and keep to yourself.

At Soulstice, we encourage you to get out and move as soon as you are able – and what better incentive to do so than by travelling to Soulstice for a healing, calming, therapeutic appointment? We greet you with warmth and optimism, knowing full well that your body looks entirely normal in relation to the trauma it underwent. Our clients say how helpful and positive it is to have a reason to leave the house for compassionate, focused care. It’s easy to forget how powerful human touch can be, and welcoming Soulstice into your recovery changes your journey from a solo expedition into a team effort.

Your initial appointments during this phase of healing will center on light work that mobilizes your lymphatic fluid, reduces swelling, and accelerates the beginning of your healing process. Most importantly, you’ll have gained an extra set of eyes and hands trained to monitor you, your surgical site, and your surrounding tissue. Additionally, you’ll have gained a resource in answering any questions that may arise during your recovery.

Sub-acute, or Proliferative Phase

Your body transitions into this second phase of repair approximately three to six weeks post-surgery, and can remain here for up to a year. To proliferate is to grow by rapid production, and that is exactly what your body is going through during this stage. The visible signs of inflammation will subside, and new tissue forms, with the edges of your wound pulling back together. This new tissue is fragile, and susceptible to injury.

It is during this phase that people feel like their mind is ready for them to be better, but their body is lagging behind. Oftentimes, remaining bruising and limited range of motion can bring about a sense of buyer’s remorse, with people questioning why they decided to undergo surgery in the first place.

“Can I get back to work? What about exercise?”

“Is this my final result?”

“I thought I’d be better by now.”

The fear that tends to arise during this phase of healing can cause you to guard the area even further. You may be scared to move too much, and this anxiety can cause you to lock down and stay still in order to protect yourself. This fragile new tissue, however, is susceptible to more than just injury – it is also susceptible to stagnancy, and restricting movement can form adhesions. These adhesions can limit range of motion when movement is eventually reintroduced, so appropriate mobilization of the tissue during this stage is important.

The benefit of working with your peri-operative therapist lies in their knowledge of what will and won’t be best for you. Some people close down, and we remind them to get out and move. Some people push themselves too far too fast, and we remind them to slow down and allow themselves to heal. Your greatest benefit lies in getting answers to your questions, and support to get through your fears and anxieties.

Chronic, or Remodeling Phase

This phase can continue for a period from several months to several years. It is during this stage that new tissue organizes itself and matures. Your mind may continue to receive confusing messages from your body based on the memory of the trauma. Even when the body has fully healed, the alarm in your brain may still be turned on, and your body can continue working to heal the area of trauma. It is during this stage that these tissues may become stuck – your pain goes away, but you can be left with persisting symptoms that limit your range of motion and aggravate your mental well-being. This is when many people question when, or even if, they will ever be “back to normal.”

The answer to that question has a caveat – your body is different now. Your skin, muscles, and sometimes even your bones are all in new places, in positions they have never been before. Because of this, “back to normal” really translates to “discovering your new normal.”

Helping you discover your new normal is your therapist’s primary goal. Remodeling can be difficult to push through, but much like the final few miles of a marathon, the support of your Soulstice therapist combined with your own awareness and strength will get you past the finish line.

Health Maintenance

Once you have passed through these three phases of healing, you once again have the freedom that comes with good health and well-being. You also gain the opportunity of choice when it comes to maintaining this health and well-being.

Oftentimes, our Peri-operative Therapy clients choose to transition into receiving health maintenance massage – regular tune-ups to keep their bodies in a place of wellness. Other clients come in and out of receiving further massage therapy by returning to Soulstice when new injuries arise. Some simply continue moving forward, content with their newfound independence and imbued, freshly healed spirit. Whatever your choice may be, the door at Soulstice is always open, and allies in healing will always be here for you, through all the seasons of your life.

This is why here at Soulstice, we say we build relationships for life. 

Charles Turlington, Soulstice Peri-operative Therapist

Ten Tips to Speed up Post-Op Recovery

Instead of merely lying around and waiting for time to heal your surgical wounds, engage in some simple proactive tools to help the recovery process:

1. Diet - eating well for recovery.

Reduce salt. Salt encourages our body to retain water, so get rid of unwanted swelling by eating foods that are low in sodium.

No Gatorade. It may seem counterintuitive, but the sports drink is filled with sodium encouraging water retention.

Increase protein. Protein is essential with wound healing, muscle and skin re-growth and repair and prevention of hair loss. Make sure that every meal or snack includes a good source of protein.

Decrease Sugar. The intake of sugar can suppress the immune system, upset the body's mineral balance, and increase fasting levels of blood glucose.

Eat small amounts many times throughout the day. - Especially to avoid nausea and bloating.

Wine works as a diuretic, so consuming a glass of wine 2-3 weeks post-operatively may be helpful for post-surgical swelling. Do not mix alcohol with any prescription drugs and consult with your physician first.

Consume a quality probiotic. Antibiotics and other prescription drugs will destroy good bacterial in our gut. We recommend Inner-Eco – a fresh coconut water probiotic.

2. Move! - increase circulation and the flow of lymph fluid.

Walk. Rest for the first 24 hours, and then slowly get back into your normal daily activities as tolerated. In the early stages of post-surgical recovery many physicians request that heart rate is not to be elevated. We suggest walking in your neighborhood or mall at a normal shopping pace - not an exercise pace. You can do this without raising your heart rate for any length of time. Quit if you experience fatigue, dizziness or experience nausea.

3. Hydration - drink low-calorie, non-carbonated beverages.

We suggest Water, Skim Milk, Diet Nestea, Diet V-8 Splash, Tea, Diluted Fruit Juice (about 4 oz. /day), Flavored water (i.e. Propel) and Crystal Light. - stay away from Gatorade due to high levels of sodium

Watermelon. In addition to this tasty fruit there are a number of high water content fruits and vegetables including strawberries, grapefruit, zucchini and celery.

4. Rest - listening to the needs of your body.

A week or so after your surgery your conscious mind may be telling you that you 'should' be getting back to your 'normal' life. Remember that your body's acting in a trauma mode for 6 weeks following the surgery. Heed what it's telling you to do. Sleep if it says that you're tired, eat if you experience hunger pains and drink if you feel thirsty. 

5. Soulstice Peri-operative Therapy - our integrated manual post-operative techniques.

Lymph Drainage. Reduces unwanted and unneeded post surgical swelling. 

Fascial Reorganization. Reduces lumps, bumps, tightened connective tissue and muscle.

Facilitated Stretching. Aids and guides patients back to proper mobility and function.

Scar Manipulation. Combats scar thickening and normalizes soft tissue.

Stress Reduction. Calms the nervous system and alleviates post-op depression and ‘buyer’s remorse’.

6. Clothing - knowing what to wear.

Itching. Consider using a men's basic tank top underneath your compression garment for itching issues. These t-shirts are nice and snug and conform to the body, unlike a regular t-shirt would. Don't hesitate to cut to size.

Drain Holders. Consider attaching shoe strings to your drains to help in the shower.

No Tight Waistbands. Avoid wearing anything that's binding in the midsection following a lipo procedure. That includes elastic waistbands and belts.

Compression Garments. If you've been directed to wear one, be sure to purchase two, so that you can wash one while wearing the other. When garments become loose remember that they're not working anymore. After your physician says you can stop wearing a compression garment, some patients still choose to wear it for support and comfort.

7. Stretching

Large Exercise Ball. Use to stretch post-surgically and break up adhesions (great after lipo procedures) Rotate in all directions. Lay on back, sides and stomach.

8. Self Massage - in between treatments at Soulstice.

Mechanical Massage Units. Great for 'at home' self massage - especially for tummy tuck and lipo procedures. Be sure to find one that adjusts for intensity and remember your numbness will not give you an accurate sense of how deep it’s working. Back off, and remember that in this situation less-is-more. Consider using at 6 weeks post op and beyond.

9. Scar Care

How to minimize a scar. There are many ideas as to decreasing the size of a surgical scar. We've discovered that the applicator, a.k.a. your finger(s), is the most effective tool to help minimize your scar. The act of 'rubbing' the scar is the best way to stimulate blood flow, and increase the flow of skin-rejuvenating oxygen and nutrients.

Ointments. Some of these include vitamin C, silicone dressing, or Mederma scar cream. While these may or may not be effective, we have found that applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly on a completely closed and sealed scar, and covering with an adhesive bandage, is the best way to minimize the appearance, feel, and look of a scar.

Silicone Sheeting. Helps to keep a scar warm and moist, therefore aids in scar healing.

Sunscreen! Newly formed scar tissue has no pigmentation. Avoid sun exposure on your scar for a minimum of one year after your surgery. Sun exposure on scars may cause permanent discoloration. A stick sunscreen will provide the most protection. Alternatively, a sunscreen lotion with a minimum of SPF 15, broad-spectrum protection and Parsol 1789 is also acceptable. Be sure to check with your physician for their particular sun screen recommendations.

10. Itching

Sarna Ultra Anti-itch Lotion. This product may be found at a local drugstore.

Disclaimer: This material is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgement available to the authors. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. In addition, the information and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of every contributor. Soulstice acknowledges occasional differences in opinion and welcomes the exchange of different viewpoints. In addition, Soulstice, Ltd. is not responsible for errors or omissions.

2011 Soulstice, Ltd.©