[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Pressure levels
Pressure Level 1 – Very light pressure/no lotion or small amount of
lotion
No skin movement or movement of the most superficial layer of skin only.
Use of arms and hands, no leaning body mechanics or strength required.
Applying massage lubricant and distributing on the skin. This should be
the maximum pressure used for clients who have new skin grafts and/or
neuropathy. As previously noted, direct work on newly grafted skin is
contraindicated.
Slow, intentional speed is required for proper scar depth assessment and to
monitor pressure level and tolerance of the client. Full, firm contact is
important to maintain, taking the shape of the client’s tissues.
Pressure Level 2 – Light pressure/light to medium amount of lotion
Slight movement engages the SF layer, where most adipose is found (if
adipose tissue is present) and muscles.
Little hand strength needed, only for contouring. Use of arms and hands;
no leaning body mechanics or strength required. Distributing massage
lubricant over scar area if matured; around the scarred area if immature and
showing signs of inflammation or edema modeling. This would be
considered maximum pressure for most medically frail clients.
Pressure Level 3 – Medium pressure/light to medium amount of lotion
Some movement of medium layers of muscles, and adipose tissue, if
present.
Slight movement of adjacent joints may occur if no underlying scar tissue
has formed. Upper extremity strength or body mechanics necessary to
introduce therapist body weight into this pressure; some hand strength is
necessary for kneading the scarred area at this pressure. Maximum pressure
for many clients experiencing illness or surgical recovery.