Skin Rolling & Decreasing the visibility of scars

[T C]

During my massage therapy training, a professor discussed and showed skin rolling as an effective technique to decrease the visibility of scars using castor oil as the preferred emollient. This professor indicated having experienced very good results in using this technique with clients. I have been unable to find any literature on the technique or benefit of it out there and was wondering if anyone had any resources they could share with me. I am looking for articles as well as potentially research but I have not been able to find anything I feel is "good quality" discussing the topic.

I would additionally be interested in any experience, success stories, and/or best practices.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Best Regards,
LV

 

[bluebonnetgranny]

Skin Rolling & Decreasing the visibility of scars

During most of my work with scar tissue I've found that decreasing the appearance of the scar is a secondary benefit of treatment, with the primary goal being reducing the tightness and pain/dysfunction related to the scar. That being said I've found MFR very effective for producing visible changes in appearance in many scar, especially those with deeper lines of tension. Combining deeper soft tissue manipulation with extended cross handed releases has been a very effective means of treatment for me.

I worked for years as a home care physical therapist and I got to see a lot of fresh hip and knee replacements. With dozens of different orthopedic surgeons and many more nurses giving them advice on how to massage their scar and what type of emollient to best reduce the appearance of the scar, I became convinced that it mattered little what type of lotion, cream, or whatever was massaged onto the scar, it was the fact that the scar was being moved and massaged that made the difference. I did a quick GoogleScholar search, I could not come up with any research articles linking castor oil, skin rolling, and scar tissue.

I've posted an excellent research article on the treatment of scar tissue on the research page of my website (reference #1):
http://www.myofascialpainrelief.com/MFRresearch.html. See also references 36-38.