Abstract

Background. Appropriate physical therapy procedures, including medical massage, can be used as a therapeutic adjunct inpatients after facial skeleton surgery. Material and methods. 18 patients hospitalised for facial skeleton surgery participated in the study. The age range was 19-52 years. All patients had lymphoedema and dysaesthesia with hyperaesthesia. Blood extravasations were noted in two patients. The mean extent of oedema on the operated side was 120% compared to the healthy side and the mean intensity of pain was 5.6 degrees. Massage was performed every day (on average 4-5 procedures, 15 min. each), beginning during the first 24 hours after surgery and continuing until discharge. Changes in the size of oedema and haematoma were assessed together with any changes in the intensity of pain. The assessments were based on photographic documentation and an 11-degree scale of pain intensity. Changes in the size of swelling were measured with two scales: absolute (measured from the base of the nose to the point of maximum oedema, before and after the procedure) and relative (only the change in swelling was measured). Results. Mean oedema size after the rehabilitation programme was 103%, corresponding to an absolute reduction of 17.8%. The relative change in lymphatic swelling was 88.5%. Pain and tenderness were reduced by 4.9 degrees (87%) to 0.75 degrees. The haematomas were completely absorbed. Conclusions. Medical massage had a positive effect on the convalescence of facial skeleton surgery patients.

Key words:

massage therapy, oedema, hypersensitivity