Scar Massage

Scar Massage (only after the incision is fully closed and your surgeon/therapist says it’s okay)

Purpose: Help soften scar tissue and improve skin mobility, which can make motion more comfortable.

Equipment: Clean hands; optional unscented lotion or vitamin E-free moisturizer (if approved).

How to do it:
1) Wash your hands. Ensure the incision is healed with no scabs or drainage.
2) Apply a small amount of lotion if allowed.
3) Use one or two fingertips to gently move the scar and the skin around it:
a) Small circles along the scar.
b) Up-and-down strokes across the scar.
c) Side-to-side strokes across the scar.
4) Pressure should be firm but comfortable (not painful).

Time:
- Work for 1–3 minutes per session, then stop.

Dosage: 3 sets of 5 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.

Precautions:
- Do not massage an open wound or an area that is red, hot, draining, or increasingly tender.

Comfort and safety:
Move slowly and stay in a comfortable range. A mild stretch or light muscle fatigue is okay; sharp pain is not.
Stop and contact your care team if you notice increasing swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or new/worsening numbness/tingling.
Follow any post-op precautions, lifting limits, and motion restrictions given by your surgeon or therapist.