Kate Maas LMT

Recovery is a team effort—and sometimes that progress helps shape the next step.

Client X came to me following a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck and liposuction of her legs after significant weight loss. Her longer-term goal was additional surgery to remove excess skin from her legs.

During her initial assessment, I felt areas of tissue that needed extra attention. I tailored her massage sessions to her stage of recovery, incorporating lymphatic drainage and gentle soft-tissue techniques. After a few sessions, I began noticing improvements in how the tissue felt.

Then came the exciting update: she reported that her surgeon was thrilled with her healing progress and believed he might be able to remove more excess skin during her upcoming leg surgery than initially anticipated.

That progress deserves shared credit: her commitment to recovery at home, her surgical team’s care, and the support she received along the way.

Massage was one part of that picture. Her surgeon will determine what can safely be done next.

This is why I value individualized postoperative care. We’re supporting a person’s recovery today while keeping her future goals in view.

An update: my booking website has changed. If you are having trouble booking, please shoot me a message and let’s get something figured out.
It’s now: www.iowapostopmassage.com

Hi, I’m Kate! 👋

Licensed Massage Therapist, owner of Iowa Postoperative Massage, and someone who believes people deserve to feel supported, educated, and actually listened to throughout their care.

My journey into massage therapy began after recovering from a car accident and experiencing firsthand how interconnected the body, nervous system, and emotional well-being can be.

I completed over 1,000 hours of massage education through the Omaha School of Massage and later earned my Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies through Kirkwood Community College.

Apparently, I have a habit of studying complex systems — whether that’s the human body, healthcare, or legal terminology. 😂

My experience spans from working in chiropractic settings, sports massage, pain management, mental health facilities, hospice, and postoperative recovery.

One thing I’ve learned along the way:

Bodies are nuanced. Recovery is nuanced. Humans are nuanced.

My approach combines clinical knowledge, compassion, education, and individualized care. No intimidation, no “no pain, no gain” mentality — just thoughtful support that respects your body, boundaries, and individual needs.

My areas of focus include postoperative lymphatic support, Watsu® and aquatic bodywork, chronic pain, headaches, mobility restrictions, and nervous system support.

Outside the treatment room, you’ll probably find me in a pool, continuing my education, or exploring somewhere new, and possibly attempting to learn another language.

Life is meant to be lived. My goal is to help you feel supported in living yours. 🩷

Welcome to Iowa Postoperative Massage!

I will be out of the office September 13–22. ✈️

I have limited appointment availability remaining before I leave, so if you’ve been wanting to get on my schedule, now is the time to book!

You can schedule online or send me a message to reserve an appointment.

While I’m away, I’ll be fully out of the office and will not be available by phone or checking email. I’ll respond to messages and emails once I return.

Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to seeing you before I leave or when I’m back! ❤️

I have a couple of last minute openings today:
2pm and 4pm.
If you would like to get in, you can either schedule online at www.katemaaslmt.com or message me and we’ll get you on the schedule.

Home | Kate Maas L.M.T. I help people recover from plastic surgery and help manage chronic pain. Now providing Aquatic Therapy

🌎✈️ Considering traveling out of the country for surgery?

A little reminder from your postoperative massage therapist: check what the U.S. Department of State says about your destination before you go.

Not because a travel advisory automatically means don’t go.

And not because I’m here to tell you where you should or shouldn’t have surgery. ❤️

People travel for medical care for all kinds of reasons. Ultimately, you get to decide what feels right for you.

I just want you to have as much information as possible when you make that decision.

🔎 Read beyond the advisory level.
Why was it issued? Does it apply to the entire country or certain areas? Where is the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate?

And remember: you’re not traveling as just a tourist.

You’re traveling as a surgical patient. 🩹

You’ll potentially be recovering, taking medications, managing incisions, and relying on other people for transportation and care.

💆‍♀️ That includes your postoperative massage care.

Massage therapy isn’t regulated the same way everywhere. Training, licensing, scope of practice, terminology, and professional oversight can vary significantly between countries.

That doesn’t mean the care is bad.

There are incredibly talented practitioners all over the world. 🌿

It simply means that if your experience is different from what you’re accustomed to in the United States, understanding the system you’re in can give you some important context.

Ask questions. Know who’s providing your care, what their training is, what they’re doing and who you should contact if something falls outside of their role.

And have a little backup plan. 🧭

📄 Keep copies of your important documents and medical records.
📱 Make sure someone at home knows where you’re staying.
🏥 Know where you would go if you needed medical care.
✈️ Have a plan in case you aren’t ready to fly home when expected.
💳 Understand what your insurance will—and won’t—cover abroad.

None of this is meant to make traveling for surgery scary.

It’s about giving yourself options.

Go informed. Ask questions. Know your resources. Have a plan. And then make the decision that’s right for you. ❤️🌎

🔖 SAVE THESE RESOURCES

🌎 U.S. Department of State — Travel Advisories
travel.state.gov

📲 Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
step.state.gov

🩺 CDC — Medical Tourism / Traveling for Medical Care
cdc.gov/travel

🛡️ Travel health & medical evacuation insurance
Check your existing coverage before purchasing additional coverage and read the exclusions carefully.

Save this for your pre-op planning—or send it to someone considering surgery abroad. ✈️🩹

If anyone tries this, please report back.

https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2026/07/09/sniffing-chocolate-workout-easier

Has anyone been following Kelsey's remarkable journey across the Pacific 🚣‍♂️ ?

I had no prior knowledge of ocean rowing until May this year. I find Kelsey's words of facing and conquering fears truly motivating.

What fears have you faced and overcome this year?
For me, it was tackling my Statistics 📈 course.

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