Award Winning Sports Massage in Shropshire
Andrew Perry
MBLS MSMA
Post Operative Recovery (MLD)
in shropshire
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence based program first developed in 1997 by a Danish surgeon called Henrik Kehlet. ERAS is designed to facilitate a patients recovery as quickly and as safely as possible whilst ensuring that they achieve the optimal outcomes from their surgery.
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All surgical operations result in injury. These injuries are created in a controlled manner but they are injuries nevertheless and injuries result in inflammation, increased vascular permeability and lymphatic vessel disruption, all of which cause a greater fluid proliferation at the surgical site. The lymphatic system is essential for dealing with this increased fluid load whilst also supporting the immune response and the tissue healing requirements created by the surgery. This results in a slowing or a halting of the fluid removal capability at the surgical site which can result in a pathological healing process and will therefore undermine the overall outcome of the surgery.
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It is becoming increasingly accepted by surgeons and surgical team members that following surgery, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a valuable element of ERAS as by facilitating the removal of excess fluid from the wound site the risk of many unwanted effects can be minimised including;
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Prolonged swelling
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Fibrosis
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Delayed healing
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Prolonged discomfort
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Reduced mobility
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Irregular contouring resulting in less than ideal aesthetic outcomes
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Anxiety during the recovery process.
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Correctly administered MLD following any surgical intervention does more than just reduce swelling. It can;
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Facilitate physiological fluid movement.
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Reduce tissue congestion
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Reduce post-surgical discomfort
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Enhance mobility during recovery
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Maintain tissue pliability
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Assist with scar management
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Aid with compression strategies where necessary
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It is becoming increasingly recognised that surgical expertise is only a part of the overall process and that a correctly managed recovery is just as important in ensuring that outcomes are optimised but successful MLD therapy is not simply a case of applying a one size fits all protocol to all patients. Clinical reasoning rather than a set routine should always be applied to each treatment in order to take account of a multitude of factors including;
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Age
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Previous surgeries and concomitant pathologies
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Current condition of connective tissues
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Medications
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Inflammatory status
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Previous lymphatic health
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Tissue texture
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Pain response
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Skin mobility, texture and overall health
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Areas of concern
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Development of fibrotic areas
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Healing progress
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Compression efficacy and tolerance
By choosing a correctly trained, and experienced MLD therapist soon after your surgery (I would usually advocate starting within days of your operation or as advised by your surgeon) you will be sure that any minor issues can be identified early and treated before they become more of an issue. By noticing unusual tissue firmness, localised congestion or areas of reduced mobility, an experienced practitioner will be able to help you avoid fibrosis and problematic scar formation long before it sets in.
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Why Choose Me For Your Post Op MLD Recovery?
I am a clinical MLD therapist who specialises in post operative recovery. I am trained in FG-MLD (also known as Fill and Flush) which is an evidence based technique and is proven to move lymphatic fluid away from the wound site in order to assist with all the issues discussed above. I undertake regular training to further develop my knowledge and skills and to keep up to date with the latest evidence in lymphology and the latest trends in surgical interventions. I am a member of both MLD-UK and The British Lymphology Society (I am currently the only such practitioner in Shropshire). I am required by both of these professional organisations and by my training school to regularly revalidate my qualifications. This means that my skills and knowledge are up to date and I am operating in accordance with the latest clinical data. Additionally, as a Restore Scar Therapist I am able to assist with your scar in order that it looks and acts as best as it can into the future. I can do this with a mixture of practical, hands on therapy as well as by advising on products and self care protocols. I often also utilise my sports massage skills when mobilisation issues occur, usually due to reduced movement during the recovery period.
Overall, I offer a unique bespoke service which draws on my multimodality skillset in order to provide the best service possible to help you make a full and stress free recovery and to achieve the best aesthetic results from your surgery.
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What You Get With My Service?
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A bespoke course of Post Operative MLD
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Negative pressure therapy
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Compression garment advice and practical assistance
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Wound care advice and product selection advice
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Exercise, movement and mobility advice
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Ongoing advice in between appointments to assist with concerns to reduce inevitable anxiety
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Complication and adverse reaction monitoring and advice/signposting (Seroma, Dehiscing etc.)
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Scar Management advice and treatment in order to optimise scars.
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Preferential pricing on scar therapy for two years after discharge in order to maximise scar healing and appearance.
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I don’t just expect you to choose me as your postoperative therapist without asking more questions or requiring more information. Therefore, before you book, you are more that welcome to email me (andrew@apsmt.co.uk) or call/message me (07748 292662) and I will be more than happy to discuss your concerns with you or meet with me if you’d prefer. Afterall, being good at what I do is not the only important thing. I want you to have confidence in what I am doing and to feel safe during your consultations.
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