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612-269-2207 cade@hohbodywork.com 1080 Raymond Ave, Suite 18, St. Paul, MN

The Secret to Reducing Burn Scars

The Secret to Reducing Scars

Over the years, massage has been proven to have all kinds of benefits.

But who would have thought that ugly scars could be reduced by massage?

Reduce scars with massage
Reduce scars with massage

In a separate study published in the March issue of the journal Burns, 146 burn patients with scars were randomly divided into two groups. All patients received standard rehabilitation therapy for hypertrophic scars – known as raised scars that are typically red, thick and may be itchy or painful—and 76 patients received additional burn scar rehabilitation massage therapy. Both before and after the treatment, researchers assessed the scar characteristics for thickness, melanin, erythema, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum, and elasticity.

While both groups showed improvement, the massage group showed a significant decrease in scar thickness, melanin, erythema, and TEWL. There was a significant intergroup difference in skin elasticity with the massage group showing substantial improvement.

Researchers concluded that burn rehabilitation massage therapy is effective in improving pain, itching, and scar characteristics in hypertrophic scars after a burn.  (click here for the study)

So what does this mean to you? It means a lot! If you have a minor burn just treat it as recommended—cool it with ice. But if you have a serious burn think about massage to help with the healing.

This study discusses burn scars, but other studies have shown that massage can dramatically reduce scaring and scar tissue from other injuries as well. Surgery, wounds, scrapes, where ever you have scarring you can do your own massage to reduce the thickness of the scar and improve the elasticity.

A friend of mine recently had hip replacement and has used massage to speed healing. She said, “I thought your suggestion of just massaging the area would decrease the scarring…and it has. But it also helped heal the nerve damage around the site. After my first hip replacement my leg was numb for over 9 months, even with lots of activity. After the second hip replacement massage has reduced the numbness in just weeks! Amazing!”

Of course I’d love to have you come in regularly to receive all the health benefits of a full body massage, but you can also achieve the benefits by doing your own self-massage between our sessions.

I am committed to your long term health and well-being. When you get a Massage by Cade you get the very best experience and training combined with a customized approach for the best experience.

Want to Learn More About My Holistic Approach?
Visit http://hohbodywork.com/therapy or call me at (612) 269-2207.

Cade Holmseth BFA, LMT, CMT
Nationally Certified and St. Paul Licensed Massage Therapist