Post-Surgical & Lymphatic Massage in New Orleans
In-home Concierge service in New Orleans, or in-studio in Greenwell Springs on Wednesdays.
Because healing doesn't end when surgery does.
The surgery went well. Your surgeon is pleased. But weeks later, you're still swollen and stiff. The scar pulls when you reach for something on a high shelf. You've started moving differently to protect it, and now your other hip, or your neck, has begun to ache too.
Surgery fixes the problem it was meant to fix. Then your body has to do the rest of the work: clearing swelling, laying down new tissue, and learning to move again. Skilled, hands-on care during that time can shape how well you heal.
Kayla Stroughter, Licensed Massage Therapist (LA4848)
Certified Manual Lymph Drainage · Vodder Technique
Certified Complete Decongestive Therapy
Recovery happens in stages, and each one is a chance to support your body.
Why Massage Matters After Surgery
Swelling. In the first weeks, your body works to clear fluid and inflammation from the area. Gentle lymphatic work supports that flow, which can ease swelling, tightness, and discomfort.
Rebuilding. As new tissue forms, scars take shape. This is the window when the quality of healing can be influenced most. Without support, scar tissue can become dense and stuck to the layers around it, limiting movement for years.
Moving again. Your body learns to compensate around pain and restriction, and those patterns can outlast the injury. Bodywork helps your tissues and your nervous system let go of guarding, so you move freely again.
Massage works alongside physical therapy, not instead of it. Physical therapy rebuilds strength and range of motion. My work tends to the tissue itself: swelling, scars, fascia, and the compensation patterns that form around them. Together, they help you heal more completely.
Who I Work With
Cesarean recovery: abdominal healing, scar care, and core support after birth
Knee and hip replacement: swelling, stiffness, and the patterns that form while you favor one side
Shoulder surgery: including rotator cuff repair, where scar tissue and guarding can limit reach
Neck and back surgery: support for the muscles and fascia around the surgical site as you return to daily life
Recovery after cancer surgery: gentle lymphatic and scar work after procedures like mastectomy or lumpectomy, guided by your care team
Other surgeries and injuries: with your surgeon's or provider's clearance
Recovering at home, or caring for a parent who is? In-home sessions mean no driving, no stairs, and no waiting rooms while you heal.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique that encourages fluid to move through your lymphatic system. I'm a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, trained in Manual Lymph Drainage using the Vodder technique, the original MLD method, and in Complete Decongestive Therapy. After surgery, lymphatic work can help ease swelling, relieve the tight, heavy feeling around the surgical area, and support circulation to healing tissue.
It's very light work and often deeply relaxing. In the early weeks of recovery, it's usually where we start.
Scar Tissue Massage
Once your incision has fully closed and your provider has cleared you, focused scar work helps scars stay soft, mobile, and connected to the tissue around them, rather than dense and restricted.
It's not only for new scars. Many women carry a cesarean or surgical scar from years ago that still pulls, feels numb, or affects how they move. Older scars often still respond to care.
How the Series Works
Post-surgical healing is a process, not a single moment, so I recommend a series of four sessions. Consistent care lets the work follow you through each stage of recovery: easing swelling first, then supporting mobility and scar health, then building lasting resilience.
Single session: 75 minutes · $210
Four-session post-surgical series: $800
Where to Book
Concierge, in your home · New Orleans
Thursday - Sunday
Greenwell Springs Studio · Wednesdays
Revive Suite 6691 Sullivan Rd.
New Orleans Studio · Thursdays
Opening Soon
When can I start after surgery?
It depends on your surgery and your surgeon's guidance. Gentle lymphatic work can often begin within days of surgery. Direct scar work waits until your incision has fully closed and you've been cleared.
Do I need my surgeon's permission?
Please check with your surgeon or provider before your first session, and let me know about any restrictions. Some clients bring a note; it helps me tailor the work safely. You can also share my credentials with your surgeon so they are aware you are working with a licensed massage therapist certified in lymphatic & post-surgical massage.
How is this different from physical therapy?
Physical therapy focuses on strength, function, and range of motion. Post-surgical massage focuses on swelling, scar tissue, fascia, and the tension patterns that form around an injury. Many clients do both at the same time.
Will it hurt?
Lymphatic work is very gentle. Scar and fascial work can bring some discomfort, but we always work within what your body can receive, and your feedback guides the pressure.
Can you help with an old C-section scar?
Yes. Scars from years ago can still pull, feel numb, or affect how you move, and they often still respond to focused care. Older scars usually take several sessions to soften, so I recommend booking a series.
What if something doesn't feel right during recovery?
If you notice increasing redness, heat, or drainage at your incision, calf pain or swelling, fever, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor right away. I'll also pause our work and refer you if I notice signs like these.
What's your cancellation policy?
All sessions and packages are paid in advance, and all sales are final. There are no refunds, so please be sure before you purchase. If you need to reschedule, give at least 48 hours' notice. In case of illness or emergency, we'll reschedule within two weeks.
Heal Well, Not Just Heal.
Your surgery was one step. Let's support the rest of your recovery.
Kayla Stroughter, Licensed Massage Therapist · LA4848 · Certified Lymphedema Therapist · Postpartum Doula
Concierge in-home massage · New Orleans
Studio sessions · Greenwell Springs · Wednesdays
504-615-8442
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