Massage Therapy for Top Surgery Recovery and Mobility
For those wanting support after top surgery…
Top surgery is a BIG DEAL! Claiming your authentic self is a HUGE deal! I celebrate with you! CONGRATULATIONS! I am here to support you through your recovery and healing process. Each client’s experience is their own.
Support after top surgery can look like reintegrating into your body after surgery, freedom from compression garments and long term binding, increasing range of motion after T-Rex arms, working with healed incisions, drain sites, pain management and discomfort from new sleeping positions during recovery.
Massage can help reduce swelling and prevent scar tissue from becoming too tight. Additionally, massage therapy can improve circulation and promote healing in the surgical area. Gentle touch can also provide comfort and aid in relaxation during the recovery process.
These sessions ARE NOT deep tissue massages. While your body is recovering focused touch and manual lymph drainage can support your recovery and relaxation.
Massage offers support for you as you arrive in your body, helping your body breathe free and relearn relaxation and breathing techniques with fully expanding ribs.
All a process to embrace and be supported in who YOU are.
My evolution into top surgery support
What started as a niche supporting breast cancer patients evolved into supporting any type of chest surgery. I have a unique skill set in that I’m trained in manual lymph drainage (MLD), working with scar tissue and incorporating both into a relaxing massage session. In addition, I have lived experience of gender affirming care. and over fifteen years of experience as a massage therapist, including supporting people receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic.
Please spread the word
If you know anyone who would benefit from top surgery support, help spread the word as search engines limit this content.
Here’s an in process resource list started in 2025 for people who are considering top surgery.
Or buy a gift certificate to support someone’s gender journey.
If you have further questions on how massage therapy can support someone through top surgery, please contact me.
-
I’ve worked with clients who were patients of Dr. Buckley, Dr. Kayan, Dr. Kong and Dr. Luong.
-
Yes, ideally your binder would be removed during the session, to allow for focused work on your ribs etc which are compressed while binding and leaving your binder off after the session to allow your body time to integrate the work. You can also wear a loose fitting tank top. Or leave your binder on.
-
At least one session two weeks prior to FTM/N surgery to work with chest muscles and preparing the lymphatic system.
-
As soon as you can lay comfortably on your back.
Massage and manual lymph drainage away from the surgical area can help relieve overall pain and help the healing process two weeks after surgery.
Direct work on the incisions/scars after 12 weeks of recovery, when the incision is no longer oozy. There is also consideration if nipples are present or not. And where your drains were, if you had them.
-
Completely OK. It’s all about explanation and consent about what is most beneficial for you and your recovery process, mostly allowing your body to relax which helps with recovery.
-
Yes! Scar tissue can cause tightness years after surgery, even where the drains were located. Gaining a complete range of motion in your shoulders and ribs is important. All of this is considered during a session to bring more movement and breath into your ribs, shoulders and chest. And more ease and freedom into your body.
