Scar massage
What is a scar? Why is scar massage important?
A scar develops as part of the normal wound Scars can have a big impact on your range of
healing process following an injury or surgery. movement and function. Your scar should become
soft and flat soon after your surgery. If a scar
Your body begins the healing process almost doesn’t heal well it can cause pain or pulling
immediately by producing scar tissue to fill the during movement, cause swelling due to blockage
injured area to close the wound. This process can and in some cases, can affect your posture.
take up to two years to fully complete.
When can I start scar massage?
What is scar massage? Scar massage can be commenced once
Scar massage involves firmly rubbing and moving the staples are removed and the scar is
the skin and underlying tissue. completely healed (i.e. There are no scabs
along the scar line). Check with your doctor or
Scar massage will help to; physiotherapist if you are not sure.
Rebuild your skin’s collagen (protein found in Ideally, don’t use cream when massaging your
skin and other connective tissues) scar as you need friction on the skin. You can
Stimulate new tissue growth apply it after you are finished.
Desensitise the scar area Scar massage can be uncomfortable. Do it for
short periods (i.e. 5-10 minutes at a time) but
Increase local circulation, promote healing and regularly throughout the day to get the best
scar fading. result. Continue regular scar massage until
your scar feels like normal skin.
FACT SHEET: Physiotherapy Department
What to be aware of “S” bend frictions
Stop the massage and check with your doctor or
physiotherapist if you notice:
Any redness that does not go away after the
massage (after 30 minutes)
Bleeding
Moisture/ooze from the scar With your thumb or fingers put pressure on
opposite sides of the scar to create an “S” bend.
More pain at the scar.
Repeat along the entire scar.
Techniques: If you have any concerns with your scar please do
Frictions across scar not hesitate to contact your Physiotherapist on
4433 2370.
Physiotherapist: ____________________________
With your thumb or fingers massage up and down
across the scar so that the skin moves on the Notes
underlying tissue. Repeat along the entire scar. ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Frictions along scar
___________________________________________
__________________________________________
___________________________________________
With your thumb or fingers massage along the scar
line in both directions so that the skin moves on __________________________________________
the underlying tissue. Repeat along the entire scar.
__________________________________________
Circles over scar ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
With your thumb or fingers massage using a slow ___________________________________________
circular motion so that the skin moves on the
underlying tissue. Repeat along the entire scar in ___________________________________________
both clockwise and an anti-clockwise direction.
___________________________________________
This publication has been reviewed and approved by Townsville HHS health consumers.
© The State of Queensland (Townsville Hospital and Health Service) 2018, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/au
