Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Managing your wound:
Keep your dressings clean and dry.
If advised by your therapist, wash gently around the affected area with soap and water, pat dry.
Some minor bleeding is expected, however if the bleeding persists seek assistance.
Monitor for signs of infection including:
- Increasing and spreading redness around the wound.
- Increasing and localised swelling around the wound.
- Increased pain or discomfort.
- The wound oozing discoloured liquid which may also smell offensive. If a dressing is in place you may see the ooze through the dressing. A small amount of yellow fluid is normal but increasing amounts may indicate infection.
- Feeling unwell with a fever, chills, whole body aching, malaise or confusion, nausea or vomiting.
If you notice any of these concerns please contact your GP or ring the Plastics Urgent Care Clinic, Monday-Friday 0300 615 3031. Out of hours attend your local urgent care centre.
You can send photos to the fhft.
What is a scar?
A scar develops as part of the normal wound healing process. Within 2 to 3 days of the skin’s surface being injured, scar tissue fills in the injured area to close the wound. Scar tissue can continue to develop over many months. Scars can take anything up to 18 months-2 years to mature.
Scar Massage (treatment of scars):
Scar tissue may become hard and raised. Massage can help to soften and flatten the scar tissue which improves the appearance and mobility of the scar. Around 10-14 days after your surgery, once the wound is fully healed, you can begin scar massage.
Scar tissue may stick to the underlying muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves and bones which can reduce movement. Massage can prevent this from happening and helps to keep the scar tissue flexible and helps gain movement.
Scars may feel sensitive, tingle or hurt when touched. Regular massage can help to control this and eventually the sensitivity should settle down.
How to massage:
- Place a small amount of emollient cream on the scar such as E45, Aqueous cream or any non perfumed cream.
- Begin at the end of the scar furthest away and massage towards your body. Use circular and zig zag motions over the entire length of the scar.
- Use firm pressure to move the scar during massage.
- Spend more time on tethered (stuck), raised or sensitive scar areas.
- Continue for 5 minutes or as advised by your therapist.
Precautions
- Do not massage open wounds.
- Stop massage if your scar becomes blistered or re-opens.
Contact Details
If you have any concerns, or need to change your Hand Therapy appointment, please contact the Therapy Department on:
Frimley Park Hospital: 0300 613 3396
Heatherwood Hospital: 0300 614 0540 Option 3
Wexham Park Hospital: 0300 614 0540 Option 2
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Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Hand therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Hand therapy
Reference:
UU/042
Approval date:
30 October 2026
Review date:
1 October 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.