Scar massage is used to improve the appearance and/or long-term healing prospects of scar tissue after cancer treatment. This therapeutic technique's main goals are to: improve the appearance of scars. improve blood circulation to the scarred areas for faster healing.
A deep tissue massage breaks down adhesions and collagen fibres that can be caused as a result of scar tissue. Adhesions restrict movement and increase pain resulting in an increase in stress. Breaking down scar tissue through deep tissue massage relieves restriction to decrease pain and reduce stress.
Scar massage is a way of softening and flattening scars. It can stop scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Your scar or scars will continue to grow and change for about twelve to eighteen months, so the earlier and more regularly you massage your scar, the less the chance of long-term problems.
Massaging the scar with Vitamin E Oil, Mederma™, or other lotions can help soften the scar. For some scars that are tending to thicken, your doctor may suggest an injection of a medication such as Kenalog™ into the scar.
For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.
Scars can be more sensitive to ultraviolet light for more than a year. An inability to respond to 'photodamage' may lead to worsening inflammation and altered pigmentation. The latter phenomenon may make a scar more conspicuous relative to its surroundings.
One tip for taking care of scars is to use a topical ointment. Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible.
Scars generally only reach about 70 to 80% of skins normal strength and therefore can easily be injured. During your scar massage, keep an eye out for blistering, open areas, or a rash. You may be applying too much pressure or being too rough. If this happens, stop massaging in this area and allow it to heal.
Vitamin E may be hailed as a new miracle regarding scar reduction and fading. However, the lack of clinical evidence suggests that using vitamin E for scars is ineffective and, thus, not necessary.
Deep tissue massage helps improve posture by addressing underlying tension and muscle imbalances in the body. It stretches and loosens tight muscles, improves joint flexibility through circulation, releases endorphins, and reduces tension and stress.
Some people use certain essential oils — such as Helichrysum, lavender, or tea tree oils — on the skin to promote wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Another great treatment that we have is rapid release technologies vibration therapy. What this does, this vibrates at certain frequency, and helps break up scar tissue adhesions.
What scar features indicate that massage may be beneficial? Bulk– scar massage may help flatten certain bulky scars; nevertheless, keloid scars are unlikely to benefit.
HEALS SCARS
This is because the castor oil actively discourages the growth of new scar tissue. As no new tissue forms around the scar, the oil can then penetrate deeper and aid in the removal of old scar tissue. Start by cleaning the scar area with soap and water to remove any natural oils from the skin.
Experts don't completely understand what causes keloid scars. But most agree it's likely a dysfunction of the wound-healing process. Collagen — a protein found throughout the body — is useful to wound healing, but when the body produces too much, keloids can form.
Lasers may be used to smooth a scar, remove the abnormal color of a scar, or flatten a scar. Most laser therapy for keloid scars is done in conjunction with other treatments, including injections of steroids, use of special dressings, and the use of bandages.
Scarring is a natural part of tissue repair, and it can take up to two years for a scar to look like normal skin again. Regularly massaging and moisturising the scar are important for reducing its appearance.
Hypertrophic scars that result from burn wounds are more difficult to treat. Superficial burn wounds usually heal without forming hypertrophic scars. Deep burn wounds are harder to treat. Many dermatologic and plastic surgeons treat these by removing the burned area and then using a skin graft.
If the fibroblasts do not clear over time, they cause prolonged inflammation. Other symptoms associated with scar tissue include itching, swelling, and tenderness or sensitivity.
Atrophic scars happen when the body does not make enough collagen while healing, which causes the loss of tissue. Acne, chickenpox or injuries involving loss of skin tissue are the usual causes of these scars. Several types of atrophic scars exist, including ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars.
Coconut oil is also great for your skin and can help reduce the appearance of scars that remain from chickenpox. So, don't let those chickenpox scars bother you for the rest of your life. Coconut oil has well-known properties for treating chickenpox scars effectively.