Massage to scars is recommended in the hand therapy literature for a range of conditions. However, existing studies reveal a lack of scientific evidence to support the efficacy of scar massage. This study investigated the effect of scar massage, in conjunction with a customised hand therapy programme, on active range of motion and skin mobility, in conditions involving a linear scar at the wrist. Twenty-two subjects underwent a treatment programme inclusive or not inclusive of scar massage. Wrist motion and skin mobility were evaluated over a four week observation period.
Results indicated that the inclusion of scar massage accelerated recovery of wrist motion over a four week period however, it did not accelerate recovery of skin mobility. These preliminary results support the use of massage within a therapeutic programme to address deficits in range associated with scarring in the vicinity of hand joints.
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