Breaking Up Scar Tissue | Physical Therapy | SOL Physical Therapy (2024)

FAQs

Can a physical therapist break up scar tissue? ›

The physical therapist will knead around the scars, feeling for the tissue adhesions. They can then use their hands to help break up the adhesions, which can then promote healthy tissue growth. Stretches and exercises — Certain stretches and exercises can help break up new scar tissue.

One of the most effective methods is called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). This technique makes use of metal tools. The tools are designed to fit specific areas of the body, and they allow therapists to apply therapeutic pressure. It's this pressure that helps break up adhesions.

Astym is a tool used to break up scar tissue and damaged soft tissue to promote regeneration of healthy tissue to improve one's function. Scar tissue can cause muscle tension, limited flexibility, and range of motion restrictions.

Stretching and flexibility exercises are other common ways to help scar tissue repair. It can aid in the lengthening of wounded tissues as well as their general mobility.

Any kind of pull, restriction or distortion on the body's tissues will force your body to work harder. It is never too late to receive a scar tissue release massage. You may just need a couple of sessions to feel confident and comfortable to do this on yourself at home.

Typically, scar massage is recommended 2-3 weeks after surgery once the scar is fully closed with no scabbing, but it can be done between 6 weeks to 50 years after surgery. During the initial healing phase, the body is focused on closing the wound and preventing infection.

Massaging your scar helps increase circulation and encourages healing by breaking down scar tissue, which can lead to a smoother, softer appearance. It also increases flexibility in the skin and decreases inflammation, which can help alleviate discomfort or redness around your wounds.

You should carry on massaging your scars for at least three to six months after your surgery or injury. What happens if I do not do anything? Your scar could become hard and inflexible or adhesions may form. Scars that cross a joint could stop you being able to bend or straighten the joint (a contracture).

Medical and scientific research has shown that manual therapy, such as massage, has the ability to break down scar tissue, reduce associated pain and increase the range of motion.

During your scar massage, keep an eye out for blistering, open areas, or a rash. You may be applying too much pressure or being too rough. If this happens, stop massaging in this area and allow it to heal. Scars are more susceptible to sunburn than regular skin.

Is there a machine that breaks scar tissue? ›

Shockwave Therapy for Scar Tissue

SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technologies delivers non-invasive, low intensity, acoustic shockwave that accelerates healing and has been demonstrated to reduce scars and associated complications.

Kinesiology Tape. Kinesiology tape is a newer tool used by physical therapists to stretch scar tissue in the remodeling process. When the kinesiology tape is applied correctly, it holds the skin a stretched position to create a space between the dermis, fascia, and muscle.

Vibration can help with scars that are very sensitive, therapists use vibration to break up scar tissue. When introducing vibration for scar management, allow the patient to be in charge of doing the massage as they are able to identify if the vibration is too painful.

Scar tissue can have a local area of pain when touched or stretched or it can produce a referred pain that feel like that of a nerve which is a constant annoying burn that occasionally turns sharp.

A very old study actually looked at the amount of force required to “break up scar tissue”. That number was 10,000 -30,000 psi (lbs per square inch) (1).

The techniques physical therapists use to break up scar tissue are known as manual therapy. Manual therapy involves the use of your physical therapist's hands to help mobilize and gently manipulate the soft tissue and joints to reduce pain, improve your range of motion and break up scar tissue.

There are many types of therapies for scar tissue, but the standard treatment commonly involves exercise and massage — specifically, stretching and pulling the scar tissue to soften, align and elongate it.

During a massage an increase in blood flow occurs, rising the temperature of muscles and tissues. A rise in temperature decreases tissue inelasticity of tissues decreasing restriction and allows the scar tissue to be broken down more easily.

Scar tissue therapy is a treatment for reducing pain and functional limitations, improving pliability, reducing hyperpigmentation, pruritus, fascial adhesions, to reduce scar thickness and smooth surface area. Scar tissue massage is a form of rehabilitation that uses pulling and stretching to remodel scar tissue.