At Action Rehab Hand Therapy, our hand therapists are well-versed in the intricacies of scars, going beyond the surface to assess and treat them with utmost care. Scar tissue, though a natural part of the healing process, poses constant challenges for both therapists and patients. Its presence can limit hand movement, lead to discomfort, adhere to critical structures, and impact the overall appearance. This is why scar management becomes a crucial aspect of our comprehensive care for all our patients, ensuring that optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes are achieved. Join us as we explore the science and techniques behind effective scar management for improved hand rehabilitation.
Scars in Hand Therapy: More than meets the eye.
Scar formation after an injury or surgery to the hand is a natural part of the bodies healing process. However, when hand therapists at Action Rehab assess and treat scars, they are looking at much more than what you can see on the surface. Scar tissue poses a constant battle for hand therapists and patients alike as it can limit movement, cause pain, become adhered to important structures, and be unpleasant to look at. Scar management is therefore a crucial aspect of the care provided to all our patients to ensure the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome is reached.
Scar tissues is largely made up of collagen fibres, which starts forming as early as 2 weeks after an injury or surgery and can take up to 12-18months to become fully matured. Early treatment of scar tissues is crucial in minimising the impact of adhesions, especially when the scar crosses a joint or is on the dorsum or back of the hand where important structures such as tendons lay close to the skin surface.
Common interventions for management of scar tissue
Massage
This is likely to be started as soon as your wound allows and will be graded from simple moisturisation, to manual massage in a circular motion performed with enough pressure to blanch the skin. Vibration is also commonly used to desensitise particularly sensitive or painful scars.
Range of Motion
Movement is essential in preventing scars from adhering to the deeper structures and in keeping the skin pliable.
Silicone therapy: Silicone Gel Sheeting is particularly beneficial for dark, raised and lumpy scars by keeping the scar hydrated, which discourages scar tissue growth and therefore improves the appearance of the scar.
Compression
Provided in the form of coban tape, silipos sleeves or a custom fitted garment- pressure aids the scar maturation process by limiting blood supply which reduces collagen synthesis resulting in thinning and softening of the scar tissue.
After a hand injury or surgery, scar formation is a natural part of the body’s healing process. At Action Rehab Hand Therapy, our hand therapists recognize that scars are more than what meets the eye. They can pose a constant struggle for both therapists and patients, leading to limited movement, pain, adhesion to vital structures, and aesthetic concerns. To ensure the best possible functional and aesthetic outcomes for our patients, scar management becomes a crucial aspect of our care.
Final thoughts on importance of scar management for hand injuries and surgeries
Scar tissue, primarily composed of collagen fibers, begins forming as early as two weeks after injury or surgery and can take up to 12-18 months to fully mature. Early intervention is key in minimizing the impact of adhesions, particularly when the scar crosses a joint or occurs on the dorsum or back of the hand, where important structures like tendons lie close to the skin surface.
Our common interventions for managing scar tissue include massage, range of motion exercises, silicone therapy with gel sheeting, and compression techniques. These approaches not only encourage scar hydration and pliability but also aid in the maturation process, resulting in thinner and softer scar tissue. At Action Rehab hand Therapy, we prioritize scar management to support our patients’ recovery journey and improve overall hand health.
Take the first step towards optimal scar management and improved hand health by scheduling a consultation with our expert hand therapists at Action Rehab Hand Therapy. With clinics conveniently located across various areas in Melbourne, we are here to support your recovery journey. Our effective interventions, including massage, range of motion exercises, silicone therapy with gel sheeting, and compression techniques, are designed to promote scar hydration, pliability, and maturation.
Don’t let scar tissue hinder your progress – let us guide you towards a smoother, more functional, and aesthetically pleasing hand rehabilitation. Contact us today and experience the difference of personalized and professional care at Action Rehab Hand Therapy.
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References
- Atiyeh B.S.; El Khatib A.M.; Dibo S.A. (2013). Pressure garment therapy (PGT) of burn scars: Evidence-based efficacy. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 26(4): 205–212.
- Bayat, A , McGrouther, A , Ferguson, MWJ (2003) Skin scarring – clinical review. British Medical Journal, 326: 88–92.
- Field et al (2000) Post burn itching, pain and psychological symptoms are reduced with massage therapy. Journal of burn care and rehabilitation, 21: 189
- Jones. L (2005). Scar Management in Hand Therapy – is our Practice Evidence Based? The British Journal of Hand Therapy. 10 (2): 40-46
- Thomas A. Mustoe et al (2002) International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management. Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, 110 (2)
- Thuzar M. Shin MD, PhD, Jeremy S. Bordeaux MD, MPH (2012). The Role of Massage in Scar Management: A Literature Review. Dermatological Surgery. 38(3): 414-423
