Can massage therapy be effective in the management of scars?

Hypertrophic scar¹

• Concern 77% of patients after a burn
• Increase pain, pruritus and anxiety
• Lower health-related quality of life
• Have physical effects such as contracture and limited ROM (Range of motion)

Scar massage, as a non-surgical management technique, improves functional and cosmetic outcomes of hypertrophic scarring¹

Whilst massage’s exact effects on scar physiology are unclear, remodelling its structural matrix may result in decreased scar characteristics by improving the viscoelastic properties.

The short term benefits of scar massage after three months

Reduces:

• Pain
• Pruritus
• Scar characteristics (scar height, vascularity)
• Depression and anxiety

Improves functional symptoms:

• Release adherent tissue
• Increase scar pliability
• Improve range of motion

The technique generally used was effleurage, friction and pétrissage massage performed after the application of a repairing balm cream.

• 2 to 3 times per week
• For 10 or 30 minutes daily
• More than 100 days following the burn