Scar Massage
Scar massage is a non-surgical technique used in day-to-day scar and burn care. There are multiple techniques that can be used and that are quite easy to apply.
Vacuum Massage
Vacuum massage is also known as depressomassage, vacuotherapy or Endermologie®. It is a non-invasive mechanical massage technique. It is performed with a mechanical device that lifts the skin by suction and creates a skin fold which can be mobilised. In the late 1970s, Louis-Paul Guitay developed the Endermologie® system (or LPG), this uses both suction (negative pressure) and mechanised rollers to mimic manual massage. LPG can provide consistent and effective treatment in a shorter time. Treatment sessions are painless and vary from 10 minutes to longer depending on the state and size of the scar.
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a type of pulsed acoustic wave resulting from excessive pressure changes. It has been used to treat musculoskeletal diseases (plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis of the elbow, etc.) and wounds. Recent research has shown that ESWT is effective in stimulating biological activities that involve cellular activity. These results suggest that ESWT improves blood perfusion and can be used in tissue regeneration/ scar remodelling. Shockwave treatment is performed without anaesthesia; a treatment head and gel are applied to the area of scar treated.
Scar Taping
Elastic taping (kinesio tape) is an acrylic adhesive that is often used as a physiotherapeutic tool for the treatment of various musculoskeletal problems and other clinical conditions in athletes and patients.
Exercise and Splinting
People who sustain burn injuries can experience reduced activity performance due to periods of immobilisation, ventilator dependence, the burn-related catabolic response, pain, limiting scars, muscle weakness and reduced fitness levels. High levels of fatigue may also be experienced. Many of these problems can be more noticeable after discharge from hospital.