Have you recently undergone surgery? If you want the scar to heal nicely, seeing a registered massage therapist or manual osteopath early on can give you a great outlook for healing. Most people find that their scar healing ends up leaving something to be desired. A normal scar heals to be flat, slightly lighter in colour than the surrounding skin, able to move freely, and pain free with full sensation in the area. Any changes to these traits are indications that healing did not go according to plan but most of these can be improved through proper treatment.

Studies are now showing that movement and manual therapy are great tools for effective scar healing. These interventions promote good tissue tension and hydration, which are the key factors of a healthy scar. When seeking a health care or movement professional, please communicate your goals clearly with them. Not everyone is familiar with how to treat scars, or with the current research in doing it effectively. I am working on spreading the word but that takes time. Traditional teachings involved a lot of firm pressure and direct force. Current research would suggest that decompressive forces and varied pressure and angle of touch are the most impactful ways to treat. Finding a therapist familiar with fascial work, basic fluid movement or lymphatic drainage technique is an asset.

As movement is also key, seeking a professional with a good understanding of the healing process and exercise is very important. Movement applies tension to the tissue which stimulates the cells responsible for healing, closing the wound, and hydrating the tissue. Without movement these functions are decreased. Of course, too much high intensity movement can be a detriment as well. So it is important to avoid overdoing it but movement is very necessary for healthy and effective wound healing. Finding a professional who can guide you as you navigate moving during healing can be a huge help in having a nicely healed scar.

As you recover from any injury or surgery it is important to take care of your body. Recommendations from medical providers around manual therapy and movement can be varied so it is good to reach out to manual practitioners to see how they approach scar and post surgical care. I will share guidance on how to find the right fit for you and where to find manual therapists in a future post. In the meantime I hope you consider the many ways these interventions can help you and find what works for you. Happy healing!