Mar 09, 2010

Texas massage centers helps soldiers overcome burn scars

A massage therapy center in San Antonio, Texas, has begun offering a unique soft tissue massage to help heal American soldiers who have been badly burned during combat.

Recently, Captain Ryan Voltin, a Marine helicopter pilot, visited the San Antonio Massage & Spa, after he was burned on more than 25 percent of his body in 2007, covering his arms, head and face with burn scars.

"When there are extensive burns all over the body, as with our warriors, the scar tissue becomes a jumbled matrix that contracts and prevents motion and movement," said Jann Henry, a licensed massage therapist at the San Antonio facility.

She added, "We've got to give them everything we can possibly give them to get their lives back together and get them on the road to healing and wellness."

Henry's technique for burn scar healing involves the use of hydrating creams and gels that strengthen the skin and a soft tissue massage that helps break up scar tissue.

Previously, the use of silicone gel and ointment had been found to hydrate topical scars, thereby reducing their appearance within weeks.ADNFCR-3015-ID-19659953-ADNFCR