Post-surgical Massage Therapy
by Return to Play Institute, LLC

Did you just get home from surgery? Has it been a few weeks or even a month since you got home? You’ve done your follow-ups, went to Physical Therapy and have done your best to ease back into daily life, but every movement still feels limited. That stiffness in your shoulder. That tightness in your knee. Or maybe there’s an odd pulling sensation across your abdomen? It’s not pain, exactly. It’s more like your body isn’t listening to you.

If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Post-surgical recovery often comes with challenges that don’t resolve on their own. And that’s where post-surgical manual soft tissue therapy (MSTT) at Return to Play Institute (RTPI) comes in. We provide a tailored approach to help your body heal and thrive again.

The Healing Gap Nobody Talks About

Surgery is a profound event for your body. Whether it’s a rotator cuff repair, knee replacement, or C-section, the procedure marks the beginning of your recovery journey, not the end. Surgeons address the internal issue—repairing ligaments, realigning bones, or removing tissue—but what about the layers of fascia, muscle, and scar tissue left behind? Post-op instructions are often vague and limited to “just relax for 6-weeks and then you can start Physical Therapy.” –Wrong! Many studies now show movement after surgery is one of the best recovery techniques (condition considered, of course).

Here’s the truth: scars aren’t just skin-deep and lying around does not help soft tissue recover. At the surface and beneath, your body creates scar tissue to patch things up, but this patchwork is not neat and tidy. It can latch on to healthy tissue, restrict movement, limit blood and lymphatic flow, and interfere with your natural biomechanics.

This healing gap—between surgical success and full functionality—is where post-surgical manual soft tissue therapy (massage) steps in.

A Day in the Life: Real Scenarios Where RTPI Has Helped

Scenario 1: The Runner with a New Knee

Meet Kate. She’s a 45-year-old marathon runner who had a knee replacement six months ago. The surgery was a success, but she’s struggling to regain her stride. Her new range of motion is about 2 degrees (full extension) to 109 degrees (full flexion). Every time she picks up her pace, she feels an uncomfortable tightness on the inside of her knee.

Kate doesn’t want to give up running. It’s her passion, her stress reliever, and her social outlet. But she also doesn’t want to risk injuring herself by pushing through the discomfort.

At RTPI, our manual soft tissue therapy helps clients like Kate release adhesions, improve range of motion, and restore the natural movement of muscles and fascia. After working with us, Kate started to notice subtle but meaningful changes: her stride feels smoother, and the tightness is less pronounced. Slowly but surely, she returns to the trails she loves.

Scenario 2: The New Mom After a C-Section

Vanessa is a 34-year-old new mom recovering from a Cesarean section delivery. She’s thrilled with her baby boy, but her body feels foreign. Her abdomen feels numb in some spots and overly sensitive in others. She also struggles with back pain when holding her son for too long.

Vanessa’s story is more common than many realize. Post-surgical massage addresses these issues by gently working through the scar tissue, using visceral massage to help address abdominal inconsistencies, working through and around the pinches and aches in the breasts as they prepare for feeding (or pumping) routines, and supporting the surrounding muscles in the back and hips which are compensating.

After a few sessions, Vanessa feels more at home in her body again. She can care for her son without discomfort and even feels confident enough to return to her yoga practice.

Scenario 3: The Student-Athlete After ACL Surgery

Ethan is a 17-year-old soccer player who tore his ACL during a championship game. Surgery repaired the ligament, and physical therapy has yet to happen. His knee is very swollen and the doctor told him to just wait for a few weeks before starting Physical Therapy. Bit Ethan if not a patient person. He wants to recover quickly!

At RTPI, we can start working with post-surgical clients as soon as 3-days after surgery! Using specific techniques, we can help reduce post-op inflammation, work on the other side of the body to reduce the effects of compensation, and, if available, begin mobilization of the soft tissues near the surgery area to prevent adhesions and scar tissue build-up.

Scar tissue around the knee can limit its natural movement patterns. Through targeted soft tissue work, we help improve proprioception (the body’s awareness of its position in space) and reduce the restrictions that are holding back the motions each athlete needs.

Why Choose Post-Surgical Manual Soft Tissue Therapy?

It’s not just about recovery; it’s about reclaiming your life. Your journey is unique, but the goals are often the same after surgery:

Freedom from restriction. No more stiffness, pulling, or feeling “stuck.”
Restored confidence. Move without second-guessing every step or motion.
Enhancing your quality of life. We aim to provide the support and care you need— whether it’s playing with your kids, returning to sports, or simply getting through the day with ease.

What to Expect at RTPI

When you walk into RTPI, it’s not about lying on a table and relaxing while someone kneads your muscles. Our sessions are collaborative and informational. We ask you questions and listen to your concerns, then we tailor every touch and technique to meet your specific needs.

Here’s what a typical session might look like:

Consultation: We start by discussing your surgery, physician restrictions, recovery timeline, and areas of concern.
Assessment: Using movement tests and palpation, we identify restrictions, scar tissue, and muscle imbalances.
Hands-On Therapy: This may include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and gentle mobilizations to improve tissue quality and function.

Education: You’ll leave with “homework” —like stretches, exercises, or movement tips—to continue your progress between sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Soon After Surgery Can I Start Post-surgical Massage?

You can typically start post-surgical massage within 2-5 days after surgery, depending on the type of procedure and your individual healing process. In most cases, you do not need clearance from your physician to come see us. At RTPI, we work closely with you so the therapy is introduced at the right time to support, not disrupt, your recovery.

Does Post-surgical Massage Hurt?

Post-surgical massage does not hurt, but there may be some discomfort since you body just went through trauma. Our approach is precise and mindful of your body’s sensitivity post-surgery. While some techniques may feel intense as we address scar tissue or adhesions, it should never be painful. We adjust our methods to your comfort level while still making progress.

Can Post-surgical Massage Reduce Scarring?

Yes, post-surgical massage can reduce scarring and help improve the texture and mobility of scar tissue. Manual therapy techniques release adhesions, improve circulation, and encourage the skin and fascia to heal more evenly. While it may not make scars invisible, it can significantly reduce their impact on movement and comfort.

Is Post-surgical Massage Covered by Insurance?

Post-surgical massage is typically not covered by insurance, but some plans do have a health and wellness add-on. It depends on your insurance provider and plan. Many clients use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for services at RTPI. We recommend checking with your insurance provider if reimbursement is possible. Considering the cost of the surgery, our recovery treatments are a fraction of the cost and provide significant benefits in your healing journey.

How Long Does It Take To See Results From Post-surgical Massage?

The time it takes to see results from post-surgical massage depends on factors like the extent of your surgery, how long it’s been since the procedure, and your body’s healing response. Many clients notice improvements—like reduced stiffness or better range of motion—within a few sessions. Consistency is vital to achieving lasting results.

Ready to Rediscover Your Movement?

Post-surgical manual soft tissue therapy isn’t a luxury; it’s a vital part of recovery. If you’re feeling stuck, restricted, or just not “you” after surgery, don’t settle for less. Let RTPI help bridge the gap between healing and genuinely thriving.

Because your story isn’t just about recovering—it’s about returning to the life you love, stronger and more resilient than ever. Let’s get you there.

Book a Post-surgical Massage Today.

Call Return to Play Institute Today!