Services
Burns and Scar Management
Scars can cause a range of issues including pain, stiffness to a joint or muscle and aesthetic / appearance changes. There are several phases of scar tissue healing including a maturation phase that can last up to 2 years. During that phase, scars can be influenced through several techniques to improve the overall outcome. Hand therapists treat numerous conditions that cause scarring.
Many factors can influence scar formation and healing including the cause of injury, severity and genetic reasons. Causes of scar formation might be a burn, skin trauma / laceration or surgical wounds. A thick and raised scar is referred to as hypertrophic scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars, raised scars or red scars do not always secrete the same natural oils as healthy skin and are prone to becoming dry.
Moisturising thick scar tissue helps to soften the skin and make it more pliable. This can be achieved through application of a moisturiser or medical grade silicone gel. Other options include compression therapy which helps to regulate blood flow to the scar and reduce local inflammation.
How our therapists
help scars:
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We can assist with scar treatment to any part of the body including:
Hand, Arm, Head and Face, Legs and Feet - Prescription of custom compression garments
- Provide management ideas for painful scars including desensitisation techniques
- Explore options for any concerns about the longer term appearance of scar tissue
- Provide advice for management of burns
- Offer support for the management of caesarean scars
Reference:
Eri Shirakami, Sho Yamakawa, Kenji Hayashida, (2020) Strategies to prevent hypertrophic scar formation: a review of therapeutic interventions based on molecular evidence, Burns & Trauma, Volume 8.