H2

Post-Surgical Gallbladder Region Scar — Observed Movement and Comfort Changes

H3

Overview

This example describes observed movement characteristics and patient-reported comfort noted during massage therapy treatment focused on a post-surgical gallbladder region scar.

It reflects one individual presentation during a single session, with a later patient-reported follow-up, and is provided for educational purposes only.

H3

Presentation

The patient presented with a post-surgical scar located beneath the liver along the lower rib cage.

Reported concerns

Pulling and fatigue affecting the right posterior shoulder

Right mid-to-lower back tension

Pulling or fatigue in the right hip and knee

Reduced comfort and range with right shoulder flexion and external rotation

General sense of movement restriction

Symptoms had been present prior to massage therapy.

The patient was referred for scar-focused treatment.

H3

Treatment Overview

A single 60-minute massage therapy session was provided.

Treatment characteristics

Gentle, low-force manual contact applied to the scar and surrounding rib-cage tissues

Slow, graded pacing to accommodate breath, guarding, and tissue response

Trauma-informed approach with ongoing consent

Positioning adjusted throughout for comfort and nervous-system ease

The patient remained actively involved through brief movement reassessment during the session.

H3

Observations During and After Treatment

Movement reassessment (during session) The patient performed small, comfortable movements to reassess tolerance, including:

Knee flexion and extension

Shoulder flexion and external rotation

Cervical rotation and lateral movement

Trunk rotation and side-bending

Immediate observations By the end of the session, the following were observed or reported:

Full, comfortable right shoulder flexion and external rotation

Ease of movement through the right hip and knee without pulling

Absence of the previously reported pulling sensation across the right side

Smoother, more relaxed movement without visible guarding

Ability to move through previously sensitive ranges without discomfort

Changes reflect observed movement ease and patient-reported comfort, not structural correction.

A separate, chronic arthritic discomfort mentioned by the patient remained unchanged and was not a treatment focus.

H3

One-Year Follow-Up (Patient-Reported)

At an appointment approximately one year later, the patient reported that:

Improved ease of movement in the right shoulder, hip, knee, and back

Absence of the prior pulling sensations

General improvement in movement comfort

had remained consistent during day-to-day activities.

Chronic arthritic discomfort continued as expected and was unrelated to the session goals.

All long-term changes are patient-reported only.

H3

Clinical Context

Post-surgical scars in the upper abdominal and rib-cage region may be associated with movement discomfort or pulling sensations in adjacent areas.

Responses to massage therapy vary and are influenced by individual healing patterns, activity demands, and nervous-system sensitivity.

This example documents observations only and does not establish causation or predict outcomes.

H3

Important Note on Case Examples

This scenario reflects one individual’s presentation and observed or reported responses.

It does not represent typical outcomes and does not guarantee similar results for others.