FEATURED TECHNIQUE
MCLOUGHLIN SCAR TISSUE RELEASE (MSTR) The McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release (MSTR) technique is an advancement in the treatment of scar tissue. It can provide significant changes in functional outcomes, improve sensation, reduce pain, and improve the cosmetic appearance of scars. It can be used for post-surgical scars, trauma scars, amputation scars, certain cases of frozen shoulder, caesarian scars, spinal surgeryscars,hysterectomyscars,andanyareasofdensefibrous tissue. The technique involves small targeted movements in different directions over the scar to reach both superficial and deep fibers of scar tissue. Written by Kari Ketner, Certified Hand Therapist
Mobilizing Scar Tissue with Occupational Therapy
Exercise Can Help Your Body Recover From Injury When your body is healing froman injuryorsurgicalscar, it is important to make sure the affected area is able to functionat itsoptimum levels. Our occupational therapists (OTs) can help implement controlledexerciseprograms early on in your recovery period, in order to improve your flexibility, range of motion, and overall mobility. When scar tissue is not treatedrightaway, itcan lead to stiffness and prevent the tendons underneath from beingabletoglide intheways they are supposed to. This can lead to loss of strength, range of motion, flexibility, and function overall. Fortunately, our highly experienced occupational therapists can help with this. Through targeted exercises, occupationaltherapycanhelp you move comfortably while completingdailytaskssoyou can go about your everyday life as easily as possible while your scar is healing. This will help build strength and improve function during the course of your recovery period. Occupational Therapy Aids in Overall Healing Not only do stretches and strengtheningexerciseshelp
a patient regain mobility, it allows a trained medical professionaltoregularlyview theareainquestion.Problems withan incisionorwoundcan bespottedandaddressedby your occupational therapist long before they are severe enough to bother you. Occupational therapy can also speed your recovery along as you strengthen surrounding muscles, learn compensatory strategies in the short term, and begin reusing the scarred limb or joint to its full potential. Have You Developed a Scar That Is in Need of Treatment? Our certifiedhandtherapists and licensed occupational therapists are here to help. Contact Hands for Living todayto find out howwe can enhanceyourhealingprocess and get you back to living your life, free of stiffness, inflammation,and limitations! Struggling with loss of strength and function as a result of your injury? Our therapists at Hands for Living can help! Call us today at 425-368-7943 or visit handsforliving.com for more information. Source: www.assh.org/handcare/ procedures-and-treatment/scar- management
Hand Exercise Helps with Scar Tissue Mobilization
SCAR FRICTION MASSAGE
1.
2.
3.
www.simpleset.net
Preparation: You will use two fingertips to firmlypress against the central area of the scar. Do not use any lubricants for this exercise. Execution: Gently push the skin in a circleWITHOUTSLIDING the skin. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then return to start. Repeat this gentle pushing of the skin up and down, and then left to right. Attempt to move the scar in all four directions. If the scar is wider thanyour fingertips, repeat along everypoint of the scar.
www.handsforliving.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker