![]() ![]() Make sure to move through the full range of motion each time and have patient perform composite flexion if the injury allows. Active Range of MotionĪctive range of motion can prevent joint stiffness and can also prevent tendon adhesions. If purchasing a scar massager is too expensive, an alternative is using the end of an electric toothbrush to massage the scar. Also, if the massage is too aggressive, you can leave the cap on the scar massager. When introducing vibration for scar management, I will allow the patient to be in charge of doing the massage as they are able to identify if the vibration is too painful. Vibration can help with a scar that is very sensitive. Theoretically, if the scar has less oxgen it will have an improved appearance. There is also some evidence to support the use of paper tape as well as some of the stretching tapes such as TheraBand Kinesiology Tape or Rocktape. If the scar is an odd shape or a piece of silicone will not work, an elastomere or otoform insert can be made. Typically we prescribe wearing this at night. Silicone gel pads can provide light pressure over the scar resulting in a flattened scar. Often times we will prescribe 10 minutes of scar massage, 2x/day. Be sure to educate your patient in avoiding creams that have alcohol as this can dry out the scar. You can use an over the counter cream such as cocoa butter or Vaseline. ![]() Scar massage can improve the scar pliability allow to produce and flat moveable scar. This can help decrease any hypersensitivity and also can help the sensory response to normalize. Tips and Tricks to Managing Scars Scar Massage If the scar is not mature, enough further trauma to the scar can lead to further scar formation. So, how can you help your patients with these dreaded scars? One thing that is important to consider is the maturity of the scar. ![]() Scars can also become very sensitive and painful. It is often times an aesthetic concern, however, we know as hand therapist this can lead to a loss of mobility which can lead to functional limitations. Scar formation may only involve the superficial layers, but it also can form in the deeper layers of the tissue and involve ligaments, tendons, and nerves. It is responsible for holding structures together while our body heals. It is basically our body’s way of making a collagenous glue. Scar formation is a normal process in how our bodies respond to an injury or surgery. ![]()
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