01
Before booking
Ask the treating team what is restricted and for how long
A general clearance is less useful than specific guidance about position, pressure, areas to avoid, swelling, incisions, drains, implants, and clot precautions.
- Get procedure-specific guidance
- Ask about side-lying or elevation
- Review medications
02
Provider fit
Choose competence for the actual situation
Tell the massage therapist the relevant procedure, date, restrictions, and symptoms without sharing unnecessary detail. Ask whether the therapist has appropriate training and will follow the limitations.
- Do not accept cure claims
- Avoid direct work on unhealed tissue
- Confirm communication with the care team if needed
03
Stop
New warning signs need medical attention
Increasing redness, heat, drainage, fever, sudden swelling, calf pain, shortness of breath, severe pain, or neurological changes should not be managed with massage.
- Stop the session
- Contact the surgical team
- Use urgent care when appropriate