If the scar tissue is directly over the metal and can be felt by palpation, then massage would be ill advised as it could cause more damage than help. For scar tissue that hs reached a certain point in healing (this would be based on your doctor's advice), friction strokes are traditionally used to help break it up and reduce the scarring. The exception to this would be if you tend to form keloid scars.
Once the metal insert is removed, you may be able to tolerate the friction strokes over the scar. Your massage therapist may find that using a lubricant with some added Vitamin E helpful in reduction of the scarring.
Aside from the scars, in order to maintain joint movement and reduce pain, you can ask your massage therapist to use techniques to help relax the muscles and keep both sides of your upper body balanced. This might include Swedish or even sports massage techniques as well as some gentle stretching and instruction in exercises you can do at home.
Make sure you give your massage therapist as much information as possible about your accident, surgery and recovery plan so he or she can offer you the best and safest massage theapy plan for your condition. You may also want to seek out a massage therapist who specializes in medical massage and may have more specific knowledge about post-surgery rehabilitation techniques.
