P r i v a t e P r a c t i c e

We offer treatment-based bodywork for post surgical care and pain management through therapeutic bodywork sessions

Surgical rehabilitation Bodywork

Recommended for people during pre and post operative care.

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A surgery is a physical trauma to the body. It is done in a safe and controlled environment, by some of the most technically trained medical professionals. In the recovery process, receiving manual lymphatic drainage, nervous system regulation, scar tissue, and soft tissue integration can drastically improve the recovery process, post operative pain, and a smoother return to your activities of daily living.

  • Bodywork is for anyone undergoing a surgical procedure, especially if the surgical protocol does not refer you to see a physical or occupational therapist. It can help with:

    • post surgical pain

    • post surgical swelling management

    • scar tissue remodeling and fascial hydration

    • Restoration of range of motion and any muscle restriction due to pre surgical compensation and pain.

    • scar desensitization and nervous system re-education

    • resources and support around wound care, post surgical healing, and rehabilitation.

  • In a perfect world:

    • 1x 90-min appointment before the surgery. Focus is on providing the body with manual lymphatic drainage and nervous system down regulation. This prepares the body/tissues to undergo surgery while also creating a dialogue to answer any concerns you have.

    • 3-8x 60-min sessions the first months of recovery. Focus is on swelling reduction and pain management.

      *what surgery was performed will dictate the number of sessions needed

    • 2-8× 90-min sessions spaced out every few months, started no earlier that 6 months post operation. Focus is on scar tissue integration, range of motion restoration, and surgical sight integration.

  • The biggest difference is frequency. For the best results, we typically start to perform gentle manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) the first week after surgery and encourage seeing the client 1 or 2x week for the first few weeks and then taper out in frequency as symptoms subside and your bodies natural wound repair cycle evolves.

    The techniques performed are all gentle in nature,do not open the incision sight, and aid the bodies natural healing cycle. We typically work dry, meaning with no oil, except on discussed occasions where moisture is needed on the healing skin to prevent irritation and allow more grip.

    The sessions is similar to other table work with the support of bolsters and pillows as needed. Expect skin-to-skin contact while working around the surgical bandages and wrapping during treatment. You will stay clothed, so please dress accordingly.

  • I highly encourage all clients to get your surgeons referral for post operative bodywork. Please send us an email if you would like us to provide a script to give your surgeon.

    Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) does not need approval for post operative massage. But is not recommended if you have DVT, history of blood clots, heart failure, or kidney failure.

    Transparency and communication between healthcare providers helps each of us improve and learn more about the wide variety of practitioners and the services available. :)

  • We commonly see, but are not limited to seeing, clients for:

    • orthopedic surgeries

    • emergency/investigative procedures

    • plastic surgery/reconstruction surgery

    • gender affirming procedures

    • cancer recovery (doctors referral required) specifically breast cancer

    • c-sections or other surgical procedures related to the birthing experience.

    • spinal surgery/fusions

    • invasive abdominal or thoracic operations

    • amputations

    • burn scars/skin grafts

We suggest booking your sessions once you have secured your surgical date and in advanced of your first appointment to ensure proper frequency and availability.

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*What People are saying*

  • I feel so fortunate to have found Claira's! I live with an immune disease and chronic pain, which led me to major surgery, and Claira's work was a lamp in the darkness of that huge life transition. Their soothing and transformative post-surgery treatments transformed my soft tissue and accelerating the post-surgery repair. They helped me track and make sense of my experience in a kind and empowering way, leading me to better understand and advocate for myself within the medical system and make healthy lifestyle shifts. Claira's practice leverages a rare combination of rigorous technical expertise in anatomy and physiology and a depth of perspective on the social and psychological aspects of trauma and somatics. I would highly recommend their practice to anyone looking for true depth and partnership in healing.

    -Maria, Thyroidectomy (Thyroid Removal)

  • It was a tremendous help to have someone so talented and empathic to help me from surgery to health again. I am so grateful to Claira for the work they did with me. We went at my pace and insecurities until I could handle the strength of hands. Some of my scars were new, others very old. I had never had such work before! I still do the exercises they taught me, and will continue to do so.

    -Edrie, Hip replacement, and two knee replacements

  • Two weeks [after a total knee replacement}, I saw Claira to begin work with her on promoting recovery from the surgery. Knee replacement is more invasive than one would think.

    From the outset, Claira was both gentle and assertive with my knee and my leg. They were able to work with lymph drainage to reduce swelling (therefore stiffness) and to encourage muscles to climb down out of their uproar. They were respectful of the level of pain at the site without shying away from what was necessary to help it heal. The work on my leg and body was effective and I felt better and was able to move more easily after each session. The effects were cumulative and lasting.

    Claira created a nurturing and welcoming ambience for our work together. I felt accepted just as I was without judgment, which all by itself is a healing experience.

    I have recommended Claira to some friends who have had surgeries or who are contemplating surgeries, and I will recommend her again.

    -Poke, Knee replacement

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Not Sure if My services are right for you?

Reach out through email. We are always happy to set up a free consultation discuss your health needs and accommodations.

Bodywork Practice > Frequently asked questions

  • rates:

    I operate under a sliding scale payment system.

    Please see pricing page for current rates, package information, and financial resources.

  • Please reach out through email. Claira intentionally sets aside a few sessions every week that only they can book for situations like this. If they cannot accommodate your needs. They have a trusted referral network of vetted and skilled therapists to refer out to.

  • We require a card on file, which can be established during the first session or when booking online. We are open to other forms of payment, if you have a specific need, such as cash or check.

  • I price my services accordingly and tipping is not expected or encouraged. We instead encourage clients to write a review on Google.

  • We are not contracted by any private insurance. We can bill all services as an out of networks provider. Please see the pricing page for more details to see if your insurance covers massage therapy.

  • A referral is highly recommended if you are on the fence about your condition and our care. Please email us if you would like us to send a script to ask your provider about our specific bodywork modalities.

  • We have a 24-hour notice cancellation policy. You will be charged the full payment amount if cancelled within the 24-hour window or if you do not show up.

If your question is not answered, please reach out through email with any concerns.

Questions?

Questions?

If you are unsure if our services could be helpful for you, would like to chat with Claira before booking a session, or want a breakdown of how we structure our business...

Please reach out! Claira always provides a 15-20 minute free consultation.