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Scar Desensitization Physiotherapy And Hand Therapy



Scar desensitization is one of the sub-treatment modalities that our senior physiotherapists and hand therapists do for scar treatment and management, and is closely related with scar sensory re-education.

Scar desensitization refers typically to decreasing scar hypersensitivity; whereas sensory re-education is moreso to normalizing abnormal sensory perception.

What happens is with any injuries or surgical procedures, there is almost always scarring (scarring being a normal bodily healing process). With any surgery and incision, there is always superficial nerve ends that can be damaged, causing hypersensitivity and abnormal sensation - even mild brushes against cloth fibers or even accidentally scratching the scar can cause very sharp, jolting pain that lasts a split-second.

When the wounds heal and scar forms for the first time, the early scars can be very soft and pliable. However, as scar matures over time, the scar tissues may thicken and toughen due to more and more collagen fibers that are deposited in the wound / surgical site.

These collagen fibers are very strong and secure the healed wound, and that's great but there will be two scar-related superficial issues:

  1. hypersensitive scarring which cause abnormal pain to light touch, pressure, temperature etc
  2. one-wound-one-scar phenomenon, where the scar tightens up so much that it impedes or blocks movement

What our senior physiotherapists and senior hand therapists will do is to do targeted scar massage and management techniques that though a little uncomfortable, it will result in

  1. increasing the scar flexibility
  2. increasing the scar pliability
  3. increasing smoothness / quality of movement
  4. increasing range of motion
  5. decrease hypersensitivity
  6. decrease the visibility and height of the scar

scar desensitization home exercises

  1. Scar Massage:

    Using a thick Dermefface scar removal cream lotion, apply circular and criss-cross massaging pressure to the scar in a firm motion for 5 minutes each session, at least 3 times a day.

  2. How To Decrease Scar Hypersensitivity:

    a. Start by just tapping the length of the scar with your fingers.
    b. Then start introducing more gentle but firm painful surfaces to the scar length, such as finger nails, combs, table edge, etc - be careful NOT to break the skin. The goal is to gradually expose the hypersensitive scar to more and different textures and sensations to the scar to normalize the pain experience.

  3. See Our Senior Physiotherapists And Hand Therapists

    It sometimes seem uncertain and scary but once the injured parts are medically stable, getting to our senior physiotherapists and hand therapists to start your rehabilitation process will start you to move your injured joints and body parts as soon as possible, as well as deal with the scarring and pain.

    This will accelerate your recovery process, and get you back to life, work and play as soon as you can.

  4. Start Using Your Injured Limbs More

    Yes, it may be painful uncomfortable, stiff and even painful as you first start to move the healed and stiffed parts, but frankly the more you use your injured parts (once the injuries is medically stable, our senior physiotherapists and hand therapists will inform you), the faster you will get better.


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book your physio appointments now

WhatsApp / SMS your name, preferred date, time and enquiries to +658800183

Email questions and your preferred physiotherapy timings to nigel@phoenixrehabgroup.com or

Clinic Locations: See how to get to us here

Phoenix Rehab physio Services

Phoenix Rehab Group works with specialist physiotherapists and rehab therapists who are highly trained, qualified, experienced and passionate to provide high level of expert care to our patients.



HAND THERAPY &  SPLINTING

Patients who sustained injuries to their elbows, forearms, hands, wrists (sprains and fractures) and fingers, and requires Hand Therapy to increase the function of their hand following injuries or post-operations as well as custom made hand splints.

Commonly treated hand pain injuries includes



CLINICAL PILATES & WELLNESS PILATES

Clinical Pilates is a form of physical exercise that focuses on posture, core stability, balance, control, strength, flexibility and breathing.

It is a system of safe and effective exercises, which meet specific individual needs, to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions.

You may do Pilates as matwork or with the reformer or both, and every session will be customized 100% to your fitness, injury and tolerance.



TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)



DEEP TISSUE RELEASE & SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY

Sports and deep tissue release massage helps to increase nutrient-rich blood flow to tired, tight and tense muscles to

  • accelerate recovery and
  • shorten downtime / recovery period required

It also prevents muscles from scar tissue micro-tears (and potential ruptures), and increases muscle performance.

Done regularly, it will keeps your muscles healthy and fit with body/movement-confidence. Read the benefits of regular deep tissue release therapy here.



All our allied health therapists and TCM physicians are fully insured and registered with Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Board (TCMB).

See our entire team here with introductions and their specializations.

At the first session, our specialist physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment, helping them to select the most appropriate treatment to help you recover as well as provide treatment in the same session.

Follow up sessions are inline to provide expert treatment for your pain as well as prescribing specific exercises to reduce your risk of re-injury and giving you a long term solution.

do Tell Your Family, Friends And Colleagues About Us =)

We appreciate you as our valued clients and want you to know that the #1 way we grow as a clinic/brand is through word of mouth referrals from valued patients like yourself.

We do not rely on advertising - instead, we prefer and appreciate the goodwill and positive reinforcement from patients. When you have the chance, please tell your family, friends and physicians about the positive results and experience you have had in our physio clinics.

book your physio appointments now

WhatsApp / SMS your name, preferred date, time and enquiries to +658800183

Email questions and your preferred physiotherapy timings to nigel@phoenixrehabgroup.com or

Clinic Locations: See how to get to us here