Cuts, burns, surgery - there are hundreds of opportunities for scar tissue to settle in. Long thought of as a simple fact of life, scar therapy is beginning to break through the haze bringing new hope to scar sufferers.

An easy way to remember the major components of healing scars: the 3 Ms - moisture, movement, massage. Scar tissue continues to form up to two years after the initial injury. During this healing time, moisture, movement and massage are of the utmost importance. Moisture

Moisture softens the scar tissue, making it more pliable and preventing the scar from cracking. A scar left unmoisturised will have a higher chance of becoming infected. Choose an oil-based moisturiser (try Valhalla Essences Bath & Body Oil) and apply it to the scarred area as often as you think about it. It is absolutely essential to apply moisturiser before commencing movement or massage of the affected area. Movement

Movement of the scarred area will help to decrease the chance of it binding up. If the scar is on a joint, the joint should be moved through its full range of motion. Make a conscious effort to do this at least four times a day. Massage

We have a tendency to shy away from touching an injury. Lack of touch can cause desensitisation or the scar. Touch, both with light and heavy pressure, should be administered on a regular basis to keep the nerve endings alert. Massage takes the benefit of touch to another level.

Massage helps to break down the bands of collagen that lead to restricted movement and a raised appearance. Massage also increases circulation to the area, lessening the amount of discolouring.

Directions for Scar Massage

1. Using a generous amount of oil, begin with light pressure moving in small circles over the scar.

2. Use constant, heavy and deep pressure - enough to make the scar white.

3. Massage in vertical strokes moving up and down the scar.

4. Switch to horizontal strokes moving back and forth across the scar.

5. Return to the small circular motion in step 1.

Massage for about 5 minutes at least twice a day. The more you do it, the faster it will heal. This is a long, patience testing process, but at least we dont have to feel stuck with our scars.