Sometimes scars are visible after an injury and can clearly be seen with the naked eye such as with burn wounds or cuts from surgery. Other times scars cannot be seen but they are still there such as with pulling your hamstring muscle or spraining your ankle; some of the fibres can be torn but you won’t be able to see it through the skin. Therefore, it can be confusing sometimes when an injury remains painful months or years after it’s occurred.
When tissue is torn and starts repairing itself, it lays down collagen fibres, which are the building blocks of all types of tissue. Because the body wants to heal the tissue as quickly as possible, it lays the collagen fibres down haphazardly instead of in neat rows as with the surrounding healthy tissue. This causes the scar tissue to be thicker and less tensile than healthy tissue and often becomes a source of pain. Superficially, the scar might become raised and have slightly unusual colour. Underneath the skin, it’s not possible to see the scar tissue but it can most often be felt by palpating along the injured tissue.
Scar tissue can become tight or contracted or attach itself to surround structures such as the myofascial layer or even surrounding nerves and blood vessels. This then leads to tension and immobility on these structures that may lead to pain and dysfunction. The tight tissue can restrict circulation and lymph drainage, allowing a build-up of pain chemicals and toxins and making the tissue vulnerable to reinjury.
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. This may be due to either trapping a nerve in the tight scar tissue or by damage to the nerve endings during the initial injury after which painful and highly sensitised little nerve bundles called neuromas can form.
The formation of a scar can be guided along after an injury. This can be achieved by massaging, stretching and strengthening at the appropriate phase in the healing process. Timing of the massages, stretches and exercises is vital as starting too early may re-injure the newly formed tissue and starting too late may mean that adhesions have already formed. With new scars, the experienced massage therapist can apply appropriate tension to the scar to guide the collagen formation into more organised lines and promote circulation. In older scars, the tissue can be manipulated to break adhesions and increase the mobility in the scar and desensitise the area.
For superficial scars, home management is to apply a vitamin E rich oil and gently massage the scar daily while it is healing (following the approval of your consultant or physiotherapist). For scar tissue underneath the skin, massage may still be applied but might be difficult to determine the exact location if not instructed exactly where. Older injuries may benefit from foam rolling and stretching exercises.
FAQs
There are many available treatments to help address the pain or mobility issues that can arise from scar tissue. Popular methods of scar tissue treatment can include: Graston Technique- A physical therapist will use stainless steel tools to help break up the scar tissue and restore mobility.
How do you break up scar tissue pain? ›
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.
Is there anything you can do for scar tissue pain? ›
A massage can do wonders for scar tissue pain. Your practitioner will use a series of deep tissue mobilization or myofascial release techniques to help reduce inflammation and encourage movement in the affected area.
When is it too late to massage scar tissue? ›
In conclusion, it's never too late to start scar tissue massage. Whether you're recovering from surgery or dealing with an old injury, massaging your scars can help improve movement, regain feeling, and soften the appearance of scars.
What therapy breaks up scar tissue? ›
Shockwave Therapy
ESWT, or extracorporeal shockwave treatment, transmits impulse pressure waves deep into wounded and scarred tissue to break apart damaged tissue at the cellular level.
What tool breaks up scar tissue? ›
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.
Does scar tissue ever stop hurting? ›
Scarring can lead to significant pain, tenderness, itchiness, and functional limitations for the patient, which may last for many years.
What makes scar tissue pain worse? ›
Scar tissue can become tight or contracted or attach itself to surround structures such as the myofascial layer or even surrounding nerves and blood vessels. This then leads to tension and immobility on these structures that may lead to pain and dysfunction.
What happens if you don't massage scar tissue? ›
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).
How do you dissolve scar tissue naturally? ›
Lemon/Lime Juice: Place lemon or lime juice on the scar with a cloth. Let this sit for a few minutes on the skin before washing it off. The acidic qualities of the juice help remove dead skin cells along the scar and can lessen the redness or appearance of scars.
The intralesional injection of corticosteroid is the most common method used in clinical practice that can achieve effective results for reduction of scar formation and volume, and relieve patients' subjective symptoms including pruritus and pain [6–8].
How do you break up scar tissue at home? ›
Put the flat part of your fingers on the scar. Move the skin and tissue under the scar back and forth, holding for a few seconds. Make sure you press enough to feel the scar “move” under your fingertips. Move your fingers along to the next section of scar, and repeat until you've massaged all along the scar.
Will heat break up scar tissue? ›
Increased temperature is a common physiological effect that helps to break down scar tissue. Increased temperature involves both superficial and deep tissues increasing in temperature. Increasing temperature of tissues within the body helps to loosen scar tissue.
Can you break up scar tissue by stretching? ›
Stretching. Another standard method to help remodel scar tissue is stretching and flexibility exercises. Stretching can help lengthen the injured tissues and improve their overall movement.
Can a massage therapist break up scar tissue? ›
Using the most effective massage therapy techniques, you can break up and heal areas where the scar tissue has formed post-injury. It is essential in remodeling the affected area and promoting proper healing and nourishment to the muscles.
Can scar tissue be massaged out? ›
Scar massage is a way of softening and flattening scars. It can stop scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Your scar or scars will continue to grow and change for about twelve to eighteen months, so the earlier and more regularly you massage your scar, the less the chance of long-term problems.
Does massaging a scar break up scar tissue? ›
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.
