Massage and Scar Mobilisation
Healed wounds
Now that your wounds have healed it is very important that you start looking after your new skin.
Proper after care of your skin is very important to restore your skins function, reduce pain and swelling as well as minimise any scarring that may form.
It is important that you keep your new skin clean and hydrated. When you are no longer in dressings you can begin to bath again initially with a mild baby soap.
Moisturisers can be used to soften the skin, prevent dryness and reduce feelings of tightness.
Do’s and Don’ts
Avoid creams that are aqueous based for massage as these are designed for bathing.
It is important to moisturise shortly after contact with water as this can have a drying effect e.g bathing or swimming.
There are many different products on the market that advertise they treat “scarring”. Whist everybody’s skin is different there is no evidence that any of these products are any more beneficial than simple moisturiser for hydration and massage.
It is important to wash your skin daily to avoid an accumulation of cream.
How to massage your healed skin
Massage the affected area with moisturiser 4-5 times daily for several minutes over each area. If you have dry skin then this can be increased.
Massage initially with moderate pressure and move the skin in all different directions. As your skin heals you can increase the pressure you use to massage.
Use a simple unperfumed moisturiser e.g E45, Diprobase or Nivea. Everybody’s skin is different; you may find that you need to trial a number of different moisturisers to find the right one for you.
Sometimes different massage techniques are required to mobilise the scar tissue effectively. This will be advised by you therapist during review and you will be advised to perform with or without moisturiser.
- Zig-Zag Mobility
2. Circular mobility
3. Pinch and roll
Please contact your therapist if you have any concerns or questions.
Contact information
chelwest.burnstherapy.cw@nhs.net
Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have concerns or wish to give feedback about services, your care or treatment, you can contact the PALS office on the Ground Floor of the hospital just behind the main reception.
Alternatively, you can send us your comments or suggestions on one of our comment cards, available at the PALS office, or on a feedback form on our website www.chelwest.nhs.uk/pals.
We value your opinion and invite you to provide us with feedback.
T: 020 3315 6727
E: cwpals@chelwest.nhs.uk
SW10 9NH
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