Before a massage, physical therapists apply a small amount of baby oil, vitamin E oil, or lotion directly to the scar. This lubricates the scar by softening the scar tissue and surrounding skin. [2] X Research source Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any scar tissue massage. If your wound isn’t healed, massaging it can tear the skin and lead to infection. [3] X Research source
This method is often used to treat traumatic and surgical scars, joint contractures, ligament tears, and tendon tears. [5] X Research source
This treatment is ideal for patients experiencing pain or stiffness in the scar tissue area. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This treatment isn’t recommended for people taking blood-thinning medications or those with weak bones, so contact your healthcare provider to discuss possible health risks. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source After myofascial release therapy, you may feel brief soreness in the stretched areas, but it should subside naturally in 24 hours. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
IASTM is mainly used to treat surgical and traumatic scars. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source This massage is frequently used in athletes because it improves range of motion and reduces pain quickly, shortening rehabilitation time. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Many physical therapists also use kinesiology tape to hold the skin in a specific stretched position, increasing blood flow and promoting tissue remodeling. [13] X Research source Stretches are often performed in conjunction with scar tissue massages, regardless of the type of scar. [14] X Research source
Depending on the severity of the scar, it usually takes 3-12 monthly visits to completely minimize the appearance of the scar. [15] X Research source Laser therapy works best in conjunction with other treatments, such as steroid injections. [16] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Steroid injections may lead to atrophy, skin ulcers, and discoloration, so discuss this treatment in-depth with your healthcare provider before trying it. [18] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
This treatment improves the symptoms and appearance of post-burn hypertrophic scars. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source This treatment isn’t recommended if you’ve had a steroid injection less than 6 weeks ago. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Many topical silicone gels are available without a prescription, but see a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate your scar before treating it at home. Apply silicone gel directly for 3-6 months for the best results. [23] X Research source To avoid hyperpigmentation, avoid sun exposure while your scars are healing. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 35, and wear protective clothing when you go outside. [24] X Research source
Keloids: thick, bumpy, red scars that commonly appear on chest, shoulders, and upper back Hypertrophic scars: thick, raised scars that commonly appear after a cut or scrape Contracture scars: tight scars that often occur after a burn injury Atrophic scars (depressed scars): tiny holes/pits in the skin, usually caused by cystic acne or chickenpox Adhesions (internal scar tissue): internal scars that form due to surgery, a muscle tear, or a broken bone Stretch marks: external scars that appear when people lose or gain weight rapidly, frequently seen on the upper arms, thighs, stomach, and chest area Flat scars: pinkish-red or purple scars that eventually blend into your normal skin tone
