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Quadriceps Skin-Graft Scar — Observed Functional Presentation With Follow-Up
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Overview
This example describes observable functional and soft-tissue characteristics noted during massage therapy treatment of a large quadriceps skin-graft scar, with an immediate response and a six-month follow-up observation.
It reflects one individual presentation at specific points in time and is provided for educational purposes only.
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Presentation
The patient presented with a large rectangular skin-graft scar over the anterior thigh.
At the time of the initial session, the following features were noted:
Thickened, irregular scar borders
Firm texture with reduced superficial glide
Visible tension during knee flexion
Difficulty with squat-based movements
Reduced stability during single-leg loading on the affected side
No contraindications to treatment were reported.
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Baseline Functional Observations
Double-leg squat
Partial depth only
Early termination of descent
Guarded movement pattern
Single-leg squat (affected side)
Limited depth
Visible wobbling and lateral deviation
Reduced load acceptance
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Treatment Approach
Massage therapy was provided during a single 60-minute session using a full scar-treatment protocol applied to:
The entire perimeter of the graft
The full surface area of altered tissue
Regions of reduced pliability and increased firmness
Pressure remained gentle and within patient comfort.
No stretching, strengthening, or high-load techniques were used.
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Observations During and After Treatment
Functional movement
Increased squat depth observed during the session
Improved control during both double- and single-leg squatting
Smoother descent and improved alignment
Palpation
Scar borders felt more pliable
Reduced rigidity compared to baseline
Improved surface glide
No adverse responses were observed.
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Six-Month Follow-Up Observations
The patient returned approximately six months after the initial session.
At follow-up, the following were observed:
Full-depth double-leg squatting maintained
Full-depth single-leg squatting on the affected side maintained
Stable knee–hip alignment during movement
No return of prior hesitation or instability
On palpation, the scar remained more pliable than at baseline, with no recurrence of excessive firmness.
Colour changes were consistent with typical scar maturation over time.
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Patient-Reported Response
At follow-up, the patient reported:
Ongoing comfort during squatting
No return of prior instability
Improved confidence using the affected leg during daily activities
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Clinical Context
Scars associated with grafting can influence movement comfort, tissue glide, and load tolerance.
Responses to massage therapy vary and are influenced by many factors, including time since surgery, activity level, and individual healing patterns.
This example documents observed findings only and does not establish causation.
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Important Note on Case Examples
This scenario describes a single individual’s presentation and observed response at specific points in time.
It does not represent typical outcomes and does not guarantee similar results for others.