Everything you need to know about Scar Massage

Following your surgery it is important to book in for your scar therapy appointments to reduce discomfort and complications further down the line that may occur or worsen as a result of scar tissue. Alongside these appointments your scar therapist is likely to ask you to massage your scar between sessions to help you achieve the best results possible for your scar, health and wellbeing.

In this blog I am going to tell you everything you need to know about scar massage...the low down of the what, why and when of scar massage.

So lets start with the first question...What exactly is scar massage? Scar massage is a gentle hands on therapy using massage strokes to gently mobilise your scar and surrounding scar tissue to prevent sticking between tissues (adhesions), improve circulation to the area and reduce congestion in and around your scar.

Why should you use scar massage? scar massage can help to improve your post surgical rehab, reduce discomfort and the likelihood of complications years later as a result of scar tissue adhesions.

When should I start scar massage? Scar massage should not be used until your wound has completely healed all the way across and no scabs remain on the scar. Your scar therapist is likely to show you some specific massage strokes to use on your scar between appointments to maximise your results. The best time to start scar therapy and self scar massage is after 8 weeks and before 4 months for best results as the scar still has an increased blood supply to the area to support wound healing and is softer and more flexible during this time. Although this is the ideal time it is never to late to get started, techniques may just take a little longer to get results!

When using self scar massage, particularly when your scar is new be sure to work very lightly to avoid stressing the tissues further and causing inflammation. Listen to your body and amend pressure as needed, remember it doesn't have to hurt to be effective, when it comes to scars light touch is extremely beneficial.

For best results it is best to seek advice from a scar therapist or medical team prior to beginning self scar massage, combining self scar massage with the professional skills of a scar therapist is likely to give you better results with your scar therapy journey.

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