tkr 27 days. who massages their scar?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hello all. I was wondering about scar massage. Does anyone do this? I have to admit to being very squeamish about touching my scar or in fact anywhere on my knee. The physio suggested massage with cream or oil. Does anyone do this? Thanks

2

Hi sally

I massage twice a day with bio oil. At first i was gentle. Now at almost 9 weeks I'm quite firm and massage all the knee and surrounding tissues. I found my knee felt much looser and comfortable afterwards. 

It will help break down scar tissue and reduce muscle spasms. 

Suzi 8+5

3

Hi Sally.  Yes, I regulalrly massagex my scar.  Started with BioOil but found that stung for some reason.  Moved onto Palmers Cocoa Butter.  Hated doing it though as it was so sensitive.  Physio explained it helps flatten scar, but also helps with nerve reconnection.

Hope this helps.

Lynn 28 weeks post op

4

I didn't cream my scar until it was entirely scab free then have been gently massaging with E45 cream. 😊 

5

It's a good thing to do to break down the scar tissue under the wound and help to promote blood flow bringing in good nutrients into the area. There is a good video on YouTube which will show you how. 

6

I have one side more sensitive than the other & hate touching it, but the physio explained massaging it (& she said don't be gentle!) will de-sensitise it. I bought Q45 face cream from Aldi, & sit & massage it at least 4 times a day - the knee is lovely & smooth!! I figured if it was good enough for faces, it couldn't harm the knee! It's only £1.49 - so it doesn't matter if you get through a few tubes! I also started on bio-oil 1st thing in the morning & last thing at night when the staple scabs had all gone, & the result is excellent - just wish the flipping thing would bend better - hey-ho - at least it looks good!

7

Hi in the early days I was told by my physio to use E45 cream and massage gently 

now I use bio oil or baby oil it's just to loosen up the scar tissue underneath the scar 

Jean 

8

I hope this helps to show why we need to break down the scar tissue

9

It's the same for the tissue around the wound

10

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. I will make a start on it. I have two tiny spots on the scar that are still scabby and there are little spots of glue as i had no staples or external stitches. However the glue did leave quite hard little scabs so they could do with softening. Thanks again.

11

I see. Thanks.

12

Is that the one by 'heather'? I'm trying that in the morning. Looks good! 

13

Yes

14

Dear Sally

i have been massaging my scar and I think it made a difference.

Happy New year!!!

15

I have the same problem Veronica. Massage loads but it still won't bend and is do tight in the morning.   Mine looks good too!

16

I as told to rub upwards on scar to get rid of scabs, mine went wyute quickly and I have never had dry skin form on the scar. Mind you I always moisturised before the operation and I think it helped.

17

Hi Sally, I am 3 weeks post left TKR and I am massaging a product called Bio oil into my scar as it is supposed to reduce scaring. I do have a numb patch which feels like I have been to the dentists and this feels funny when I massage it but other than that no problems.

18

Well i plucked up the courage to touch my scar and it wasn't as bad as i thought. I will start massaging and see how it goes!!

19

I know how you feel I was exactly the same. I didn't even want to look at mine when they changed dressing in hospital.  The massaging gets easier though end now I don't think about it? I am nearly six weeks post op.   Wish I could get more bend though😔

20

My PT has massaged my scar from day one that I started seeing her.  She told me to do the same at home.  It helps to release scar tissue.  My knee felt "lumpy" under the incision site and it now has smoothed out.