Be sure to tend your scar to reduce pain and make pliable

Posted , 7 users are following.

I realized that my anterior scar was beginning to create a low ridge and that I had some pain in my affected leg.  I have been using lotion and castor oil and deep massage to break down the tightness of scar ridge.  I have also enlisted the help of my PT to help with deep linear and circular massage along the scar line.  This has signficantly reduced pain in that area and added to the flexibility of my right leg.  I didn't connect the thickening scar ridge to discomfort I was experiencing in my leg until I realized the quick rate at which the scar was thickening in height. 

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Kathy,Had similar experience with scar from knee replacement but did massage across the incision line as recommended by the PT..I'm waiting on the incision to heal a little more before I start putting anything on topically.Take care all.

  • Posted

    hi cathy, 

    good reminder ... just make sure that the scar is healed completely and dry - 

    big warm hug

    renee

  • Posted

    Hi Cathy

    Please could you give a little more detail regarding how you massage your scar? Previous surgeries on other parts of my body have shown that I suffer badly from keloid scarring and I suspect my 8 week hip scar is going that way. I am rubbing bio oil in each morning but don't have any particular method for doing that.

    Any advice would be welcome.

    Steph

    • Posted

      I looked it up on the web.  Basically, what I read said to massage in little circles along the scar lime and push deep linearly along the scar line.  I just try to alternate.  Try to find a PT who will massage your scar for your because when I had that help, I felt a significant loosening in the scar tissue.  The PT said that you have to work on softening the scar before it gets to hard.

       

  • Posted

    Hey I have really bad ridges in my leg from a fixators I had when I was 11 years old and there really tight and hurt when I press on them to hard I don't remember being told about the massage you can do to stop it and would love to know how to do it on my hip replacement scar once it's healed properly any advice would be great

    X

    • Posted

      I recommend getting your PT involved in helping you massage your scar.  I also looked up how to soften my scar on the web. The article I found said to use circular massage motions and long linear deep massage motions  (with lotion or oil) along the scar.  The PT was able to work more deeply and longer on the scar massage.  He recommended that I massage it after getting out of the shower when the tissue is warmed up from the heat of the shower water. (or bath water)
  • Posted

    Sorry for the time to contact you, Ive been away for a week. The best thing is a silicone gel called Dermatix. Good luck with it. X

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