Surgical operations damage not only he skin but also the layers of tissue and membranes called fascia. Damage of the fascia can cause pain or movement restriction in the wound area or elsewhere in the body. According to several sources, manual treatment of scar area and scar tissue can have a positive effect on healing of tissues.

The purpose of this guide was to help patients and professionals to understand the effects of the scar tissue on fascia and function by increasing their knowledge about physiotherapy, especially manual therapy, of fascia and scar tissue. Furthermore, the purpose was to guide the patient how to do proper self-care of the scar tissue, ad knowledge about scar treatments and encourage to handle them. The objective of the thesis was to compile a self-care material for patients of heart and thoracic surgery. The objective was that the thesis includes written theoretical part as well as a guidebook for patients.  

The thesis was based on the latest literature and studies. The data for the thesis was searched by various research services and related research information was reviewed. An interview with professional was also used in the thesis. 

The thesis was commissioned by Sydänsairaala (Heart Hospital) Tampere, Tampere University Hospital. The thesis was done in cooperation with physiotherapists from the Heart Hospital of Tampere.