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Sensory Gentle ~2 min

Scar desensitization

Progress through textures — from soft to firmer — to help the nervous system tolerate touch around healed scars.

Equipment: Cloth or texture swatches

Do this exercise

1 set × 4 reps. Watch the demo and tap through at your own pace — we log your reps, holds, and how it felt.

Prefer the classic step-by-step timer?

Start with the softest texture — cotton or silk — over the scar.

Ready when you are

We'll guide you through 4 short steps — about 35 seconds of guided motion. Pause or stop anytime — nothing is uploaded.

Have ready: Cloth or texture swatches

Contraindications & stop if…

When not to do this

  • Open or unhealed wounds
  • Suspected infection
  • Within surgeon-defined wound-care window

Stop if

  • Sharp pain
  • Bleeding or open skin
  • Signs of infection
How does the hand feel right now?
No painWorst pain

Prefer a quick pacing gate before the timer? Use full guided session — it asks for pain, stiffness, and fatigue in a few taps first (education only, not clearance).

Why it helps

Gradual touch helps the brain remap sensitivity around scars so daily contact feels normal again.

What it should feel like

Tickly, odd, or slightly uncomfortable — not painful.

Target area

Scar tissue

Stop if you notice

  • Sharp pain
  • Bleeding or open skin
  • Signs of infection

Get clearance first if

  • Open or unhealed wounds
  • Suspected infection
  • Within surgeon-defined wound-care window
Instructions, dose & tipsSetup, how many to do, and common mistakes
Explainer

How to do it well

Goal, setup, dose, and the things therapists most often have to repeat. This is education — not a replacement for your clinician's plan.

Before you start

  • Wound must be fully closed and not draining.
  • Have several textures ready — cotton, silk, terry cloth.
  • Stop if any sharp pain or skin breakdown.

Today's dose

Reps
4
Sets
1
Sessions / day
3
Rest
0s
Pain ceiling
2/10

Common mistakes

  • Jumping to firm textures too soon
  • Pressing hard instead of gliding
  • Skipping days — frequency matters more than intensity

Easier version

  • Stay on the softest texture for the whole session
  • Reduce to 2 sessions per day

Harder version

Only if your phase allows progression.

  • Progress to a firmer texture (e.g. terry cloth)
  • Add tapping or vibration only if comfortable

How did this feel?

One tap. Saved as a question for your next visit when relevant — never auto-shared.