This post was first published on June 28, 2018.
Scar care continues to be an important aspect of my wellness routine. A simple massage technique that I described in previous a blog is one that anyone can do. This massage technique is called cross fiber friction and is useful for any type of scar. Did you realize that scar tissue ages differently because it lacks a measure of elasticity and collagen, and requires more attention? Without self-care methods, my scars, that are due to posterior hip replacement, would have continued to tighten, itch, and feel uncomfortable. Our skin is a window offers valuable feedback and sometimes tell us what’s going on inside. Our job is to pay attention, listen, learn, and address concerns. If we choose to ignore visible feedback and avoid paying attention to our body then the consequences usually aren’t pleasant.
Our skin is considered an organ of elimination, a protective covering for our muscles, bones, and internal organs, and is often neglected as we get older. I ask…why ignore the organ that covers your entire body…an organ that you can look at every single day? The answer may be due to fear, or sadness, or grief…perhaps it’s messaging from the media that perpetuates the myth implying that, Youth is Better. I say nonsense to that rubbish - it’s misinformation. Self concept comes from within. How might we utilize the wisdom that comes with age and disregard concepts designed to tear us down or market a product? Chasing the fountain of youth has never been the goal of my skincare routine and is certainly not how I approach scar care.
Scar care can be complex due to the emotional impact as well as psychological dynamics of how we view our body in relation to others. I would much rather learn how to care for my own surgical scars than pay someone else to help me with something as simple as cross fiber friction. A technique that can ease scar pain, and improve the health of my skin. Wouldn’t you?
My sense of self, and my life improves with age. That belief is one that I acquired with wisdom and acts of discernment. If I neglect my skin it will indeed look and feel worse than it needs to. Do I practice self-care perfectly? Of course not…I forgive myself when I lapse into periods of neglect and know that it is likely due to stress, or grief, or even periods of joy when I get caught up in things outside of myself. My body will remind when I have forgotten to focus on caring for my health. I have learned over time to be a good patient.
Tuning out invariably leads me back to tuning in. Periods of distraction are my growing pains, and part of my journey to aging well. Consider the milestone periods that women (and men) encounter such as puberty, child-bearing, and menopause/manopause…even midlife crisis. Birth doesn’t come with a handbook and neither does the process of living, dying, and self-care…we learn about these periods over the course of a lifetime.
Caring for myself…for my skin…is kindness, and that kind act demonstrates that my life and my future are important to me. I take good care of the personal belongings that have meaning to me such as my vehicle, all of my treasured possessions, and my home…of course I am going to invest time and energy in caring for myself. Does this blog read or sound like a broken record of metaphors, or are you warming to the significance of how easy it is to neglect our health? As time passes and life gets more complex, bodies with chronic conditions require more maintenance…it’s understandable to forget and okay that I encourage you to remember by describing how the body can heal over time. Remember that we achieve goals and establish new routines with repetition. Be as patient with yourself or a loved one as you would be with a toddler learning to walk.
I am entering the final decade(s) of my life which are an ideal time to focus on my health and well being. These final chapters encourage me and I plan ahead by focusing on the present. I am not frightened by an end date - death is a destination. Though I am aware and intent of achieving health related goals on a regular basis. The income I have is devoted to many things outside of medical care…if you’ve read my book, website content, or blogs then you may have noticed that travel is a passion of mine and I have many bucket list adventures ahead. Touring parts of Japan, and specifically, Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea are destinations that are on my March/April 2025 calendar.
So what type of self-care works for me today, 14 years after 3 joint replacement surgeries? I practice what I refer to as ‘the basics’ at home…this includes things like dry skin brushing, using a quality moisturizer (I like sesame oil), eating a whole food plant-based oil free diet (aka, The Starch Solution), staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine…especially carbonated beverages, and utilizing the services of healthcare providers who partner with me to help me manage my health.
These wellness professionals assist me with monitoring and managing the health of my skin…the skin that encases my entire body. Medical professionals are ones that I see very rarely, unless there is an issue that must be addressed outside of an annual check-up. As referenced in my book - I have professional experience working in clinical settings and I utilize Western medical care. I am also convinced that pairing Western techniques alongside Alternative Healthcare methods is the key to improved health that is sustainable and affordable. This is not medical advice - I am simply sharing what works for me.
We all have our own unique characteristics, health needs, and conditions to manage…managing them well is like a dance, it is not a chore nor is it a burden. If your health needs feel cumbersome to you, I encourage you to re-frame those negative thoughts, those outdated token phrases…and shift that messaging into accepting that managing your health is an act of love.
If you or a loved one has lived with scars for over a decade or more, know that it is never too late to implement a wellness routine and take steps to improve the look, the feel, and health of your skin.
As long as you have a pulse and continue breathing…your skin is simply another organ that is doing it’s best under current circumstances. I encourage you to ask yourself…what small step can I implement today to take better care of my scars? Start small. Baby steps are how I continue to encourage anyone in how to better manage their health. Become a more active participant on your wellness journey. Time will continue to pass, with or without your efforts. Your health is worth your time.
Be Well. ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES Founder, Anderson Therapeutics Author, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery
The draft below is unedited from it’s original state.
As a dual posterior hip replacement recipient, I have two surgical scars...they are lengthy and very deep scars. Scar tissue is very dense, fibrous, and tends to feel tight and itchy. A scar has no hair follicles and no sweat glands which is why they appear and feel so different than the skin they replace. The appearance and texture of scars can improve with simple self-care. In chapter 5 of my book, Butternut to Bionic, I describe a technique called "cross-fiber friction" and a scar care product that I have used for over 8 years. My scars are smooth and close in color to my natural skin tone. Learn more in this excerpt from page 90 of my book:
"Per my doctor's recommendation, I used a product called Bio-Oil, massaging it into my scar morning and night using a technique called cross-fiber friction. Basically, you massage against the grain of the muscle in a circular motion helping to loosen, soften, and gently stretch the tissue. If you're a cook who prepares meat for the grill, you may have rubbed salt and spices into a roast or steak. The goal is to tenderize the meat by softening and stretching the tissue. Massaging your surgical scar is much the same, this technique can minimize the puckering and dimpled appearance as well. Even an older scar can benefit from this care. Our skin is living, breathing tissue made up of cells that regenerate daily. Massage sloughs off dead skin, brings blood and nutrients to the surface, and improves the health of our skin."
Want more resources, tips, and advice? Visit Butternut to Bionic, my Anderson Therapeutics website, or my author page on Amazon.
Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES
