The use of scar massage in post-surgical scar management of the upper limb

Scar massage is a commonly used treatment for hand and upper limb scars following surgery, but there is little research to support its use. This thesis explores the published evidence for post-surgical scar massage, how it is used by Australian hand therapists, and whether people receiving scar massage have different outcomes from those who receive another treatment. The findings suggest scar massage may improve appearance, movement, pain, and function. Still, there is a lack of consistency in how scar massage is prescribed and how the benefits are assessed, in both the research and clinical settings.