Kinesio Taping for Post-surgical Scar Management

Case Study Full Name: The Use of Kinesiotape for the Management of Post-surgical Scar Tissue By: Gaylene, Branstiter, M.Ed., OTR, CHT   Introduction: - Management of scar tissue is an important part of post-surgical tx - Clinically proven conservative treatment methods include: Pressure therapy; Silicone sheeting; Use of paper tape. - Clinically proven invasive treatment methods include: Intralesional corticosteroid injections; Laser treatment; Radiation; Surgical revision. - Kinesiotaping for post-surgical scar is a conservative treatment method that has been clinically proven to be very effective in our clinic, even when other proven methods have not.   Patient: 34 yo Caucasian Female; Florist; Left hand dominant; Dorsal laceration with florist scissors to dominant hand; Non-smoker; Non-drinker; Determined and persistent.   Extensor tendon primary repair: Ring finger, left hand; EDC, zone 5-6; Surgery 04 days post injury.   Treatment: Early tendon mobilization; Initiated 48 hours post-op; Wound care and scar management.   Conclusion and discussion: - This specific patient presented with optimal circumstances to ensure a good result: non-smoker, committed to HEP and tx, no underlying disease etc. - Had a scar in a high movement, high tension area and directly over a joint. - Traditional conservative tx methods did not work but kinesiotaping did. - Kinesiotape accomplished more in one month than previous methods over 9-12 month period. - Kinesiotaing is very conductive to her lifestyle as an active person and florist. - Scars do mature up to 2 years so some scars changes may have occurred through natural processes but we don't know this to be absolutely true. - Hypertophic scarring can be devastating for the patient. - As health care providers we have an opportunity to provide the most clinically proven techniques to produce the  most optimal outcomes. - Patient satisfaction is the best outcome. In this case 100%.