Here’s how to do scar massage and mobilization to promote healing and desensitization

Healing and recovery are top priorities after surgery. But many people wonder how to care for their surgical scar to support healing, improve flexibility, and reduce discomfort. One technique that may help is scar massage, also known as scar tissue mobilization. 

Scar massage can help the healing process by promoting circulation, reducing sensitivity, and preventing excessive tightness in the scar tissue. When you're recovering from surgery, understanding how to properly massage your scar can make a difference in your comfort and mobility. 

Read on to learn more about scar massage techniques, benefits, and best practices from Hinge Health experts to support your recovery.

What is scar massage?

Scar massage is a technique that involves gently manipulating the soft tissue around a scar as it heals. When your body heals from an injury or surgery, it naturally forms scar tissue. Without movement, this tissue can become tight, raised, or uncomfortable, potentially limiting your mobility in the area. Massaging the scar can help keep the tissue flexible and helps with discomfort.

Benefits of scar massage

Scar massage can help with:

• Improved mobility. By breaking up adhesions, scar massage allows your skin and underlying tissues to move more freely, preventing stiffness and improving flexibility. Keeping the scar tissue mobile prevents it from becoming rigid, making movement easier and more comfortable for you over time.

• Reduced sensitivity. Massaging the scar can help desensitize the area, reducing pain, itching, and discomfort as your nerves heal after surgery.

• Better circulation. Increased blood flow to the scar tissue supports healing, reduces swelling, and promotes tissue regeneration.

• Smoother appearance. Regular massage may help scars become flatter and blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.

When to start scar massage

It’s essential to wait until your incision is fully healed before starting scar massage. This usually occurs around four to six weeks after surgery, but always check with your doctor. Signs that your scar is ready for massage:

• The incision is fully closed (no open areas, drainage, or scabbing).

• There is no redness, warmth, or signs of infection.

• The scar is firm but not excessively tender to light touch.

How to perform scar massage

Follow these steps to safely massage your scar. 

1. Start with light touch (weeks 4-6)

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Gently place your fingers on and around the scar.

• Lightly stroke and tap the area to introduce sensation.

• Try to do this for about five minutes every day. 

2. Increase pressure gradually (weeks 6-8)

• Begin applying mild pressure by moving the skin around the scar in small circles.

• Use pinching and rolling motions to move the scar tissue in different directions (up and down, side to side, and diagonally).

• Try to do this for five to 10 minutes, once to twice per day. 

3. Work directly on the scar (weeks 8-12)

• Apply slightly more pressure as long as it does not cause pain.

• Press on the scar to try to move it against the underlying tissue.

• Try to do this for five to 10 minutes, once to twice per day. 

4. Use firmer pressure (after 12 Weeks)

• Massage with deeper pressure to break up any remaining stiffness.

• Continue moving in multiple directions 

• Try to do this for five to 10 minutes, twice per day.

You can also use a moisturizing lotion or silicone gel while you do scar massages to help keep your skin hydrated and flexible.

Scar desensitization techniques

As nerves regenerate around a healing scar, they may become overly sensitive, causing tingling, itching, or pain. Desensitization techniques can help reduce this discomfort by gradually exposing the skin to different sensations. 

How to desensitize a scar

1. Gather different textured materials, such as:

   • Very soft fabrics (e.g., fuzzy cotton balls, silk scarves) 

   • Mildly soft fabrics (e.g., towels) 

   • Moderately soft fabrics (e.g., soft velcro, paper towels) 

   • Rougher fabrics (e.g., corduroy, sandpaper) 

2. Rub the scar gently with the softest material for three to five minutes a day.

3. Once that becomes comfortable, gradually progress to rougher textures over the course of a few weeks. This gradual exposure helps normalize sensation and make the scar feel less sensitive.

Desensitization helps the scar tissue to be appropriately sensitive to the world around you. It should feel similar to nearby skin when exposed to temperature, pressure, and stretching.

Additional scar care tips

• Hydrate your skin. Keeping the scar moisturized with lotion or vitamin E oil can improve your skin’s flexibility and prevent excessive dryness, which can make the scar feel tight or itchy. Look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to minimize irritation.

• Protect from sun exposure. Scars are more sensitive to sunlight, which can cause hyperpigmentation or darkening. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even if the scar is covered by your clothing, to help maintain an even skin tone and prevent long-term discoloration.

• Stretch and move. Gently moving and stretching the area where the scar is can prevent tightness, especially in areas where scars may restrict mobility, such as over joints or along muscle groups. Simple range-of-motion exercises can help keep the surrounding tissue flexible and functional.

When to seek medical advice

While scar massage is generally safe, you should consult your doctor if you experience:

• Persistent redness, warmth, or swelling

• Pain that worsens instead of improving

• Unusual lump formation under the scar

• Signs of infection (pus, fever, increased pain)

How Hinge Health can help you

If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, you can get the relief you’ve been looking for with Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program. 

The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app, when and where it works for you.  

Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you. 

See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan here.

This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.

References 

1. Deflorin, C., Hohenauer, E., Stoop, R., van Daele, U., Clijsen, R., & Taeymans, J. (2020). Physical Management of Scar Tissue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 26(10), 854–865. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0109 

2. Khansa, I., Harrison, B., & Janis, J. E. (2016). Evidence-Based Scar Management: How to Improve Results with Technique and Technology. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 138(3), 165S–178S. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000002647 

3. Scott, H. C., Stockdale, C., Robinson, A., Robinson, L. S., & Brown, T. (2022). Is massage an effective intervention in the management of post-operative scarring? A scoping review. Journal of Hand Therapy, 35(2). doi:10.1016/j.jht.2022.01.004