Medical massage as a rational treatment following facial skeleton surgery

Krzysztof Kassolik, Henryk Kaczkowski, Hanna Wojtoń, Waldemar Andrzejewski, Piotr Zachariasiewicz, Ewa Trzęsicka, Marek Kiljański

Krzysztof Kassolik, Henryk Kaczkowski, Hanna Wojtoń, Waldemar Andrzejewski, Piotr Zachariasiewicz, Ewa Trzęsicka, Marek Kiljański – Medical massage as a rational treatment following facial skeleton surgery. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(1); 87-92

Abstract

The main aim of postoperative management following surgery of the facial skeleton is to prevent potential postoperative complications. As a result of disruption of the continuity of tissue, there is swelling within the operated area, as well as subcutaneous extravasation of blood and hyperaesthesia of facial skin. The authors have developed an approach to reduce or completely eliminate those inconveniences and thus shorten convalescence time using medical massage. Initially, normal superficial sensitivity of facial skin is restored by stroking from the medial line of the face towards the ear concha, starting from the lower jaw line and ending in the forehead. Next, the peristaltic movement in lymphatic vessels diverting lymph within the head and neck is stimulated by moving the skin over deeper lying tissues within the physiological range of skin mobility. Circular movements are made with a brush for 2-4 min., and slight pressure is applied to the skin over the haematoma area in order to accelerate the resorption of subcutaneous discoloration ensuing from extravasation of blood. The last stage of the treatment is aimed at reducing pain and tenderness in the operated area. We use vibration of < 1 mm amplitude and frequency of 50-100 Hz, which guarantees analgesia for 2-3 hours. The treatment reduces postoperative discomfort afflicting patients already during the first 24 hours after surgery.

Key words:
massage therapy, oedema, hypersensitivity
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