Scar massage as an intervention for post-surgical scars: A practice survey of Australian hand therapists

Author:

Scott Helen C12ORCID,Robinson Luke S1ORCID,Brown Ted1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University - Peninsula Campus, Frankston, VIC, Australia

2. Department of Occupational Therapy, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Abstract

Introduction Scar massage is a commonly used treatment in hand therapy. The current empirical evidence that supports it is disparate and of variable quality, with no established effective dosage and method proposed. This study aimed to identify the current practice among Australian hand therapists using massage as an intervention for scarring following surgery to the hand and upper limb. Methods A purposely designed self-report online survey was emailed to current members of the Australian Hand Therapy Association ( n = 958). Data collected included demographics, intervention techniques, conditions treated and protocols, scar assessment and knowledge and training about scar massage as a clinical intervention. Results A total of 116 completed questionnaires were received (a response rate of 12.1%). All respondents used scar massage as part of their clinical practice with 98% to improve soft tissue glide ( n = 114), 92% for hypersensitivity ( n = 107), and 84% to increase hand function ( n = 97). Only 18% ( n = 21) of respondents used standardised outcome measures, and most therapists had learned scar massage from a colleague (81%). Conclusions Commonalities in how respondents implemented scar massage were found. Participants reported relying primarily on clinical experience to inform their practice. Whilst scar massage was widely used, few respondents had received formal skills training or completed outcome measures regularly to formally evaluate its clinical efficacy or impact. Replication of this study with a larger international sample of participants is warranted to determine if these findings reflect general practice.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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