Does acupuncture/dry needling treatment improve scar pain and itch in adults with abnormal scars following trauma or surgery?

This research project will investigate the effect of physiotherapy treatments massage and acupuncture/dry needling on the symptoms of scars such as pain and itch. This study will provide treatment for symptomatic scars. It aims to assess change in scar symptoms over a four week period, with follow up at one and two months after that time. This will help us to evaluate these methods are for treating scar symptoms, and guide future treatment improvements. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups, both groups will receive scar massage, acupuncture and advice on self-massage, stretching and exercising. The only difference between the two groups will be the type of acupuncture/dry needling. During the study participants will be asked to complete surveys regarding their scar, and general wellbeing. They will also be asked to complete these one and two months after completion of physical treatments, and return the surveys by post or email. We expect that the scar being treated may show changes in physical characteristics and symptoms, but this is not guaranteed as everyone responds differently to treatment. The outcomes of the research may guide treatment of future patients with scars.