01/07/2026
Gender Affirming Care: Massage for after Top Surgery
I'm went to NYC last fall for a continuing education workshop focusing on massage for after top surgery led by Jo Elliott from
The work is aimed at helping:
* Reduce size and redness of scar
* Increase skin mobility by realigning scar tissue and breaking down adhesions which will in turn increase your range of motion at the shoulders and in the chest
* Decrease pain from scar pulling on surrounding tissue
* Stimulates nerves in the area, eventually increasing sensation
* Encourage flow of lymph which will reduce swelling and pain related to swelling
* Increase lymphatic circulation which is a primary mechanism in tissue healing
I am now offering this work myself, and I would love to see folks who are anywhere from 4 weeks to years post top surgery! You can book at the link in my bio, and put in the notes that you are wanting this particular work for part or all of your session.
The person who served as the demo in the workshop was moved to tears as they found a fuller range of shoulder movement without pain or pulling two full years after having had surgery. This is truly powerful work!
There are also some great, free self-massage resources for folks to use. They are great techniques for soon after surgery, but they are also useful even years after. You can link to all the guides in my bio.
I'm also glad to work with folks ahead of surgery to help them and/or a care partner learn to apply some of these techniques as part of the recovery process at home immediately after surgery. They're easy and simple ways to use touch to support and speed the healing process!
If you have any questions, please be in touch!
NOTE: This is not appropriate for those dealing with cancer. Oncology massage is it's own specialty, and I do not have that training.
