THR - SCAR PAIN and Massage

Twig

I am now 4.5 weeks post right THR had my follow up physio this week all is moving in the right direction and exercise has been upped. What I am struggling with and would appreciate advice is the scar. The physio was concerned as my steri strips were still in place she removed them and all has healed but its excruciating sore stiff etc she has said to massage with a neutral oil such as olive oil. I have been doing this but it’s so sore and to be honest I’m a bit nervous of causing damage. Can anyone share their experience?

Also have been told to use a tennis or massage ball on my right buttock which I am finding a logistical challenge any hints and tips would be welcomed😂

Thanks

pollyana

hi @Twig I’m not sure if it’s helpful but I’m 4 weeks post Thr and my physio was suggesting yesterday that I massage gently around the scar…and then work up to massage on the scar… lying on my side, using e45 cream.

Shes very good and I think it’s ok. but it’s not excruciating so maybe you need to wait a bit…or check with your physio and tell her it’s v painful.

I guess I would say be gentle…may be start with just placing your hand on the scar… feeling the warmth of your hand and see if it’s bearable.. and when it’s not painful some little circular movements …around the scar first is what she was doing. My thinking is that anything that brings some more blood flow to the area is good.. and stop with any pain

With my last hip,, my osteopath taught me how to work on the actual scar in a deeper way but I think that was a couple of months in… I think there are professionals who offer specific scar massage/treatment so it might be worth looking into that.

I recall the osteo saying that massage can really help with scar tissue and you can work on it now… later… so that’s encouraging.

Hope it’s not too sore… and heals well

Take it steady 🥰

Twig

@pollyana thank you for that I have started to gently move my hand over it with some olive oil which is what the physio advised and sounds like the physios give similar advice which is reassuring I go back again in a couple of weeks so will continue and see how I go. Good luck with your recovery and thanks for the advice 😊

Trish9556

@Twig

Hi

The best piece of post surgery advice I have ever received from a surgeon was to use E45. Don't buy the lotion, you need the really thick gloopy stuff in a pot.

Apply it liberally as often as you need to, rubbing it in gently until absorbed. If you put it in a fridge it's even nicer on any bits that are swollen

Good Luck,

Trish xx

Twig

@Trish9556 thank you for that the fridge sounds good I’ll get some E45