“…Dynamic splints, serial casting, z-plasty, massage, ambulation, range of motion exercises, and stretching techniques are commonly utilized to alter the appearance and properties of scars (Hardy, 1989). Furthermore, numerous animal studies have shown that stretching healing wounds results in a reduction in contracture and thickness and an increase in compliance and tensile strength of the scar (Brunius et al, 1967;Langrana et al, 1983;Sussman, 1966; Thorngate and Ferguson, 1958). Conversely, clinically undesirable results have also been attributed to the application of stretch including hypertrophic scarring, edema, and scar lengthening and widening (Arem and Madden, 1976;Sommerlad and Creasey, 1978).…”