Burn scars. Release contracture, restore mobility.
Burn scars are among the most complex scar types. They can cover large areas, create severe contractures, and affect multiple tissue layers. ScarWork offers a gentle approach to restoring mobility and comfort in burn-damaged tissue.
What burn scars are.
Burns destroy skin and underlying tissue to varying depths. First-degree burns affect only the outer skin layer and usually heal without significant scarring. Second-degree burns damage the deeper dermis and often produce hypertrophic or contracted scars. Third-degree burns destroy the full thickness of skin and require skin grafting, which creates its own scarring at both the graft site and the donor site.
Burn scars differ from other scar types because they often cover large areas rather than following a linear incision. The damaged tissue contracts as it heals, pulling surrounding skin tight. This contraction can be severe enough to limit joint movement, distort features, and restrict breathing if the scar crosses the chest or abdomen.
How they cause problems.
The primary issue with burn scars is contracture. As burn tissue heals, the scar tightens, pulling the edges of the wound closer together. When this happens across a joint (elbow, knee, wrist, fingers, neck), it can severely restrict range of motion. Burn contractures across the chest can limit breathing. Contractures on the hands can limit grip and fine motor function.
Burn scars also change the quality of the skin. The new tissue has fewer sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings. It is less elastic, more fragile, and more sensitive to sun, temperature, and friction. These changes affect daily comfort and require ongoing care.
Common symptoms.
- Tight, contracted tissue that limits movement
- Reduced skin elasticity and flexibility
- Sensitivity to temperature, sun, and friction
- Itching and dryness
- Limited joint range of motion
- Pain or discomfort with stretching
- Altered or absent sensation
- Skin graft site restrictions
How ScarWork helps burn scars.
ScarWork for burn scars focuses on restoring mobility and reducing contracture. We work with the tissue qualities we find, using techniques that encourage the dense, contracted scar tissue to soften, lengthen, and become more pliable. The touch is extremely light, which is important for tissue that is often sensitive and fragile.
For skin graft sites, we address both the graft itself and the donor site. Grafted skin often adheres firmly to underlying layers, and the donor site may have its own scarring. Both need attention to restore optimal function.
Burn scars are the most complex type we work with, and expectations should be calibrated accordingly. ScarWork will not restore burned skin to its pre-injury state. But it can meaningfully improve mobility, reduce contracture, decrease discomfort, and help the tissue function as well as possible given the extent of the injury.
What to expect from treatment.
Burn scars typically require a longer course of treatment than other scar types. Four to six sessions is common, and more extensive burns may benefit from additional sessions. Changes are cumulative, and each session builds on the previous one. We often see the most dramatic improvements in contracture release and range of motion.
Work can begin once all wounds are fully closed, any grafts are stable, and your physician has cleared you for manual therapy. Ongoing burn rehabilitation can be combined with ScarWork for best results.