Why Your Post-Op Session Might Be Shorter (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
You booked a full session. You got on the table, I did my work, and then I told you we're done… early. And you're thinking, wait, did I just get shortchanged?
Mira, linda (look, pretty), I promise you didn't. A shorter post-op session is often exactly what your body needs.
Shorter post-op session: the quick answer
Your post-op session might be shorter because your body has gotten what it needs for that day. Once your tissue stops responding, more work doesn't help. It can actually re-inflame you and bring the swelling back.
When I end a session early, your compression goes right back on, and I adjust your price or give you a credit. You save time and money.
Menos es más: less is more.
Your body tells me when it's done
What I tell my clients: I don't work by the clock. I work by your tissue.
During a session, I can feel the swelling move, the tissue soften, and your body respond. Then, at some point, it stops. The fluid isn't moving anymore, and the tissue isn't changing.
That's your body saying, "Okay, that's enough for today." Tu cuerpo sabe: your body knows.
Why more isn't better
It's tempting to think a longer, harder session means faster results. It doesn't.
Overworking healing tissue causes re-inflammation, which means more swelling, not less
Your body refills. If I push too much fluid out, your body sends it right back.
Some swelling is a "freeway" for repair. Your body is using it to heal.
That's also why I recommend 1 to 2 sessions a week, max. The goal is for your body to learn to do this on its own.
Getting your compression back on matters
Every minute you're out of your faja on my table is a minute without compression. When your session is done, I want your faja, foam, and board back on so your body keeps the progress we just made.
Ojo, watch out: don't wait hours to put it back on after a session. Bring it with you and wear it home.
What about a neck and shoulder massage?
I get asked this a lot: "Since we have extra time, can you do my neck and shoulders?"
I don't add massage to a post-op session. Massage is a different service, and it's priced differently. If your back, neck, or shoulders are aching from recovery, book a massage session separately, once you're comfortable lying in different positions.
You won't pay for time you didn't use
No te preocupes: don't worry. If your session is shorter, I'll adjust your price or give you a credit toward your next session. You only pay for the care your body actually needed.
Here's your chisme for today: a short session is a good sign. It often means your body is healing well and doesn't need as much help anymore. That's the whole goal.
Want the full game plan?
My book walks you through recovery week by week, including what to expect from your sessions.
If you're in Sacramento and recovering from surgery, I'd love to help you heal, at the pace your body sets.
Not local? Reach out to me for a private consult over Zoom (small fee).
I'm a Certified Massage Therapist (CAMTC No. 39170), not a doctor. This post is for education, not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.
Comments