Massage After Gallbladder Surgery: Safety & Timeline

Question
I have a client who would like a back massage but she has only just had keyhole surgery on her gall bladder two weeks ago.

As it's not in the same area I would like to go ahead with it, but don't want to risk it.  Do you think this will be ok, or what time scale should I work on?

Thank you!

Answer
Hello, Justine!

Two weeks out from surgery is in the sub-acute phase of recovery, so some light massage is possible but nothing too deep (like deep tissue, or NMT).  Just light work such as Swedish or lymphatic drainage.  The chronic phase should begin in about 6 weeks and deeper work would be possible then.  In the mean time, you could try putting the client side-lying or even in a chair so you can work on their back without putting undue pressure onto their abdomen as might occur if you are pressing down on them while they lie on their stomach.  Also, you can turn them supine and work your hands up underneath them, letting their own body weight provide the pressure against your hands while you move them in and out.

Best wishes!
Mikey