DOES
SCAR MASSAGE
WORK?
continued
The main idea is to manipulate
the scar and surrounding tissue.
After some gradual practice you
may even be able to use some
more intensive fascial stretch
techniques that involve drawing
the scar and skin in oblique
directions, creating a gentle
sensation of “pulling” on the scar.
Such
self-treatment
should
continue for weeks to months (and
sometimes years) after the surgery,
until the scar has completed the
process of remodeling. Ultimately,
the tissue that makes up your scar
should feel almost exactly the
same as the surrounding skin. After
the scar has completed its healing
cycle (sometimes up to 2 years), it
should be as mobile as the rest of
your skin, and not feel as though its
“stuck to” or “pulling on” any other
underlying or surrounding tissues.
Of course, you should never
progress beyond a point of pain,
and massage should be stopped
if ever the skin breaks or swelling
results from self-treatment. Know
that it’s not about the “quick
results” here. While you may not
notice immediate improvements,
the best thing you can do is
stick with it for the long-term.
Take care of yourself!
Drew.