Before and after surgery, swelling may be reduced with _________.

• A. Deep tissue massage of the back
• B. Heat therapy
• C. Manual lymph drainage
• D. High-intensity aerobic exercise

Answer: (C)

Managing swelling around a surgical site is about encouraging proper lymphatic drainage. Manual lymph drainage is a gentle, skilled massage that stimulates the lymphatic vessels and guides fluid toward the lymph nodes, reducing edema in the area around the operation both before and after surgery. The technique uses very light pressure and a specific sequence, so it supports healing without stressing tissues. Deep tissue massage targets muscles and deeper tissues and isn’t appropriate for post-surgical edema. Heat therapy can worsen swelling by increasing blood flow, and high-intensity aerobic exercise can place too much demand on healing tissues.