The pandemic, which has lasted for more than two years, has significantly reduced the possibility of providing health services worldwide, with over 100,000 fewer examinations performed in Croatia alone during 2020. Despite this, the number of surgical procedures performed each year is measured in tens of thousands, which increases the chances of post-operative pain, scarring, and other common physical and emotional problems. Postoperative pain is not always short-lived and can complicate and delay a patient's return to daily activities, prolong hospital stay, and accumulate costs.

Research shows that persistent or chronic postoperative pain that lasts 2 to 3 months is responsible for almost 25% of cases of chronic pain. This type of pain represents a significant psychosocial and economic burden for patients and is a major public health problem. Pain caused by surgery is also closely related to various functional outcomes, including the impact on quality of life and sleep disturbances. Patients who are preparing for surgery usually experience fear and anxiety, which complicates the treatment of pain before and after surgery and increases the likelihood of developing chronic pain after surgery.

Studies show that medical massage has several benefits to help people recover from surgery, including:

• Reducing postoperative pain and intensity
• Reducing postoperative stress and anxiety
• Alleviating sympathetic responses to postoperative pain
• Reducing the dose of analgesics Increasing the level of calmness and well-being
• Reducing inflammation and scar tissue
• Helping to restore full range of motion without discomfort
• Assisting in realigning muscles and joints