Scar Massage & Hydration

Scar Physical Therapy/Scar Massage & Hydration

Scar massage is an evidence based technique to improve the appearance of scars, soothe scar pain, and aid in skin restoration and pliability. It is a helpful, non-invasive scar treatment, and scar therapy massage works on old and new scars. Scars from burns, trauma (such as road traffic accidents), and surgery and some of the types of scars that most benefit from scar massage.

Close-up of young body positive woman showing surgical scar on her body

What is scar massage?

Scar tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that improves common problematic scar symptoms, such as tightness, roughness and pain. It can involve a light or firmer touch depending on the age and the type of scar. Studies into massage and scar tissue have found multiple positive outcomes.

Scar massage can help prevent scars from getting stuck, loosen tight and stuck scars, improve circulation to the area and regulate the collagen production, stimulating it or reducing production according to the needs of the scar. It can relieve anxiety and itching. This results in scars that look better, are more comfortable and limit function and movement less.

General advice is often to massage new scars; however, evidence suggests scars that are recent and red may be worsened by certain types of scar massage; it is best to seek advice on whether your scar would benefit from massage and, if so, how often and which techniques.

Another misconception can be that scar massage with cream is best; this is not always the case, as many times the techniques need to take hold of the scar to mobilise it, which is not possible to do effectively with cream, which makes the scars difficult to hold. Cream or scar hydration is extremely important, but is often best done after scar massage. It can be difficult to know which creams to apply to your scar, we can help guide you in this.

Therapists offer a range of scar techniques. Examples include hypertrophic scar massage and tethered scar massage. They assess scar characteristics, location, age, and other factors to determine the most appropriate scar mobilisation strategy. This is why it is not recommended that patients simply rub and push on their scars without the requisite training and knowledge.

Machines and gadgets for scar massage

Hands are a wonderful tool for scar massage, but there are also other options to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment. These include suction devices, mechanical massage devices, non-mechanical massage tools and taping – all available at The London Scar Clinic. Our scar therapist has pioneered the use of LPG or endermologie for scar mobilisation and in the UK, both within the NHS and in the healthcare sector generally. LPG is a very powerful tool to mobilise scars and increase the comfort and pliability of scarring, restoring you closer to how you felt before the scar.

Why scar treatment is essential for proper healing

Treating scars, whether via massage or other means, is vital for multiple reasons. The first is aesthetics – scars look and feel different to the surrounding skin and can last a long time. Many people struggle with this, and it can affect their body image and confidence, mainly when the scars are in visible areas like the face or limbs.

Additionally, scar tissue can have a range of related complications. It can impair mobility and flexibility in the affected areas, especially when the scars occur near joints and muscles. Scarred skin also tends to be drier, weaker, and more prone to other problems.

Prompt and effective scar treatment helps prevent these unwanted effects, improving the skin’s appearance, function, and health. However, to obtain the most effective and tailored treatment for you and your scars, it is essential to consult with experienced healthcare providers. Specialists will assess your scars and devise an appropriate plan of action to treat them.

Close-up of slim female body with surgical scar and flower petals around it

What scar features indicate that massage may be beneficial?

Not all scars are effectively treatable with scar massage, but many are. Key features of treatable scars include:

Tethering: This refers to scars that are connected (or tethered) to other tissues around them, which can include muscle, fascia or bone. Such scars tend to be deeply set in the skin and may impair flexibility and symmetry in the affected area.
Pain, itchiness, or tenderness: Scars that are painful, itchy, tender, or sensitive can be treated through scar massage. It helps make such scars more manageable and bearable for the patient, often while waiting for or undergoing other forms of scar treatment.
Tightness or mobility issues: Some scars feel particularly tight or restrictive. They may even prevent the patient from properly moving in the affected area. Massage can stretch out and soften the affected areas, extending the range of movement in the process.
Bulk or thickness: Raised and chunky scars can also benefit from massage. However, results may vary, and specialist techniques may be necessary to see or experience any clear benefits. Keloid scars often do not benefit from scar massage.

When is it too late to massage scar tissue? Is my scar too old to improve?

As a general rule, scar massage can be considered as soon as the area has healed. However, whether scar massage would be beneficial and what techniques to employ should be assessed and then demonstrated.

Massage can also be beneficial even with older scars (including those in place for several years or even decades). It can help loosen up the scarred area and surrounding tissue to promote mobility and flexibility while aiding skin hydration and collagen production.

Treatment overview – scar massage at The London Scar Clinic

While it is possible for patients to be taught scar massage techniques at home, it is best to seek professional massage from skilled physiotherapists and scar specialists, like The London Scar Clinic.

Our trained and qualified professionals provide a range of treatments to alleviate problematic scarring. We can help patients with tightness, pain, itching, and scar healing through precise and tailored massage techniques. The process will begin with an assessment of your scars, followed by a regimen of massage sessions and education, so that, whenever possible, the patient treats their own scar.

What should I wear to my appointment?

To conduct the massage, the therapist will need full access to the scarred areas of the skin. As such, it is best to wear comfortable clothes that you can easily slip off as required or loose-fitting items that provide access to the affected areas, like shorts if you have scars on your legs or a T-shirt or vest for scarring on the arms.

For scars in more intimate areas, like the bikini line (where C-section scars and hysterectomy scars are often found), there is no need for concern. Your modesty will be respected, and underwear will not be removed – your therapist will simply need to expose the scar to carry out the massage.