If you have a client with post-op scarring or scars from injury, you can help reduce redness and improve skin evenness with the help of a scar tissue massage technique called Myofascial Release. We give you six things you need to know about MFR before you enlist this massage technique.
#1 Scar tissue doesn’t have to be permanent
After healing has taken place and scar tissue forms, the new skin needs to be re-modelled (which can be done through massage) so it’s able to tolerate the usual stresses the body undergoes each day. Apart from the look of the skin, this re-modelling process is important to ensure that normal moment and strength is restored.
#2 Fascia is really important
Pronounced Fash-ah, fascia is the filmy layer of tissue you find on the outside of a chicken breast. It wraps around every muscle in our body as well as the structures inside the muscles. It also surrounds organs, nerves and blood vessels. In other words, fascia is pretty important. So when it gets injured or inflamed, it can cause a pain because it pulls on other parts of the body, inhibiting function.
#3. Myofascial release is not as complicated as it sounds
Myofascial release (MFR) is also called the trigger point method. It is a massage technique where the therapist uses gentle, sustained pressure on the problem areas to release adhesions and smooth out the fascia.
Often used to manage and minimise scar tissue, this technique involves using both hands to massage the scar tissue and surrounding and underlying tissues. When used on scar tissue, MFR should be a delicate massage with slow movement and light pressure.
#4. It’s important to check with a doctor
If you are looking after a client’s post surgery scar, it is always best to make sure she has the all clear from her surgeon before you start any kind of massage on the area. It is important to make sure that proper healing has taken place and also that Myofascial massage is appropriate before starting any treatment.
#5 Always look at the scar
In general, the scar should be completely closed, with no scabbing, bleeding or weeping before you should start any type of massage.
#6 Oils will help
Not only are antioxidant-rich body oils (or body butters and lotions) beneficial to the healing of the scar tissue, they also keep skin soft and pliable, and make any massage on the area more comfortable for you client.