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Incision Site Scar Mobilisation exercise demonstration
Exercise library

Incision Site Scar Mobilisation

Gentle circular massage around a healed incision to reduce adhesions and improve tissue mobility.

Area
Post-op
Stage
Mobility phase
Equipment
A little unscented moisturiser or oil

Typical dose: 1 set × 10 reps · twice a day · slow and controlled. This is a general starting point, not a plan matched to your condition or stage.

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How to do it

You need: A little unscented moisturiser or oil.

Sit somewhere comfortable with the healed scar clean and uncovered. Put a little unscented moisturiser on one or two fingertips.

  1. Rest one or two fingers flat on the skin right next to the scar.
  2. Move the skin in small, slow circles, so the skin glides over the tissue underneath.
  3. Work slowly along the whole length of the scar.
  4. Then gently push the skin toward the scar line and away from it, up and down its length.

Form cues

  • You are moving the skin over the deeper tissue, not just sliding across the surface.
  • The pressure is firm but stays comfortable.
  • Over days and weeks the scar and the skin around it feel less tight.

Common mistakes

  • Starting before the wound is fully closed and healed.
  • Pressing hard enough to redden, blister, or break the skin.
  • Rubbing over a scab or an area that is still open.

Safety: Stop and message your physio if the scar reopens, weeps fluid, or becomes hot, red, and swollen.

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