When you hear the term “scar tissue,” you may think of visible scars on the skin from cuts or surgeries. However, scar tissue can also form inside your body. Scar tissue is your body’s natural response to heal damaged tissue. When your body senses that tissue has been damaged, it sends collagen, a type of protein, to the area to help with healing. Collagen fibers create a protective web over the injury, which helps close the wound and heal the tissue. Unlike healthy tissue, scar tissue fibers aren’t as flexible. They can form in a tight, unorganized way, leading to stiffness, discomfort and limited movement in the affected area. Over time, this buildup of scar tissue can lead to problems such as chronic pain or make it hard for you to move the way you used to. It’s important to address scar tissue, especially if it’s affecting your daily life or recovery after an injury or surgery. That’s where physical therapy comes in. Physical therapists are trained to help you manage scar tissue, improving your range of motion and reducing discomfort.
Types of scar tissue and its impact
There are different types of scar tissue, and each one can affect your body differently:
- Hypertrophic scars — Hypertrophic scars are raised, thick scars that stay within the boundaries of the injury site. While they don’t grow outside the injured area, they can still affect the way your skin and underlying tissue feel and move.
- Keloid scars — Keloids are thick, raised scars that go beyond the original injury. They can be painful and itchy and limit movement if they form near a joint or muscle.
- Adhesions — Adhesions are a type of scar tissue that forms inside the body. They can form after a surgery or injury. Adhesions can cause organs or muscles to stick together, limiting their movement and causing pain or discomfort.
- Contracture scars — Contracture scars happen when the skin or tissue tightens and pulls together. These scars can occur due to burns or other severe injuries. They make it hard to fully move the affected area.
Scar tissue, particularly internal scar tissue, can cause pain, tightness and limited mobility. If scar tissue isn’t addressed, the affected area may experience:
- Chronic pain
- Muscle weakness
- Lowered function
6 ways a physical therapist can help break up scar tissue
Physical therapists can use a variety of techniques to help break up scar tissue. These techniques can help improve range of motion, reduce pain and improve function. Your physical therapist will carefully assess your condition to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs. Your physical therapy treatment plan may include techniques such as:
- Graston Technique® — The Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Your physical therapist will use specially designed stainless steel instruments to apply pressure to the scar tissue. These tools help break down adhesions and scar tissue while promoting increased blood flow to the area, which encourages healing. The Graston Technique can be effective for treating larger areas of scar tissue, such as those that form after surgery or in large muscle groups.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy is an umbrella term used to describe a wide variety of hands-on physical therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilization. Soft tissue mobilization involves your physical therapist using their hands to apply pressure and manipulate the soft tissue around the scar. This hands-on technique can help break up scar tissue by stretching and loosening the tight fibers. It also helps boost blood flow and reduce stiffness, making it easier for you to move without discomfort.
- Myofascial release / active release therapy — Myofascial release and active release therapy are techniques in which your physical therapist uses their hands to apply pressure to the fascia, which is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles. When scar tissue forms, it can cause tightness and restrictions in the fascia, causing pain and limited movement. Your physical therapist can use these techniques to gently stretch and loosen the fascia, helping to improve your flexibility and break up scar tissue.
- Cupping — Cupping is an ancient technique that involves your physical therapist placing suction cups on the skin to increase blood flow and promote healing. In physical therapy, cupping can be used to help release scar tissue by loosening tight areas and reducing adhesions. The suction created by the cups helps lift and separate the layers of tissue, allowing for better movement and flexibility.
- Trigger point therapy — Trigger points are small, tight areas of muscle that can form in response to scar tissue or injury. Your physical therapist can use trigger point therapy to apply direct pressure to these knots, helping to release tension and boost blood flow. This therapy can help break up scar tissue plus reduce pain and stiffness in the surrounding muscles.
- Stretches and exercises — Stretching and strengthening exercises can be a key part of breaking up scar tissue and improving your overall mobility. Your physical therapist can design a routine of specific exercises intended to gently stretch the affected area, helping to lengthen scar tissue and improve your range of motion. Strengthening exercises can also help you regain muscle function and prevent future injuries.
If you’re dealing with scar tissue, a physical therapist can help by using a wide variety of techniques to help break up scar tissue and improve your quality of life.
Healing beyond the surface with scar tissue management at REPAIR SI
At REPAIR SI, we understand that scar tissue can significantly impact your quality of life. Our team of experienced, licensed physical therapists is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive and compassionate care to help you manage your scar tissue, using a variety of evidence-based techniques. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition, ensuring that your care is both effective and supportive. Our goal is to help restore your mobility and reduce comfort to help you regain your quality of life and thrive.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.