Scar tissue can develop due to injury, trauma or surgery. Scar development is completely normal, occurring when the fibrous tissue replaces normal tissue during the body’s natural healing process. Scar tissue is less elastic as the healthy tissue it replaces. While its purpose is to help heal and protect the body, it can also restrict the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the surrounding soft tissue. Scar tissue may be visible on the exterior of the body, or internally and unseen. It also can come in a variety of textures, colors and flexibilities. The good news is, if you are experiencing scar tissue pain, or need help with scar tissue buildup, physical therapy can help.
Types of scar tissue
Scar tissue can come in a variety of types including:
- Keloids — Keloids are thick, bumpy, red scars that can form after any kind of injury. These types of scars are common on the chest, shoulders and upper back.
- Hypertrophic scars — Hypertrophic scars are the most common scars after healing from a cut or scrape on the skin. They are thick and raised, but not as much as keloids. Hypertrophic scars can fade on their own over time without intervention.
- Atrophic scars — These scars are also known as “depressed scars.” They can look like small holes or pits in the skin. They can be caused by cystic acne or chickenpox. They can become more noticeable as a person ages.
- Adhesions or internal scars — Internal scars develop after surgery, muscle tears or broken bones. They form as a part of healing to help the body remain as healthy and strong as possible.
- Stretch marks — Stretch marks are a common type of scar. They happen when a person loses or gains weight too quickly, causing scar tissue to develop. These occur on the stomach, breasts, upper arms and thighs.
- Flat scars — These are not as noticeable as other kinds of scars. They can appear pink, purple, or red at the beginning of the healing process. They can eventually become lighter and blend in with the surrounding skin.
- Contracture scars — Contracture scars are common following burn injuries. They are tight and can affect mobility.
Scar tissue can lead to chronic pain
Scar tissue is not always painful, but it can become painful over time. This can be due to the nerves of the area being destroyed or damaged during the tissue damage. Over time, scar tissue can become painful. The pain can vary based on the severity of the initial damage and the location of the damage on the body. Symptoms of scar tissue pain can include:
- Inflammation.
- Itchiness.
- Redness.
- Sensitivity to touch.
- Reduced range of motion.
- Throbbing.
How physical therapists break up scar tissue
Physical therapists have a variety of treatments to assist with breaking up scar tissue. These techniques are intended to help alleviate pain and improve your mobility. Physical therapy techniques that can be beneficial include:
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — Physical therapists can use IASTM to help break up scar tissue. Using specially designed stainless steel instruments to help break up scar tissue, the physical therapist can help improve your range of motion, reduce your pain and improve your soft tissue function. A common IASTM technique is the Graston Technique®. The Graston Technique is often used when the scar tissue is affecting your joint mobility.
- Manual therapy — Soft tissue mobilization is a manual therapy technique that is used to help break up scar tissue. It is a hands-on technique involving the gentle manipulation with deep, firm pressure by the physical therapist’s hands. It is intended to help increase blood flow. Increased blood flow can help bring oxygen and nutrients to the scar tissue and help break it down.
- Trigger point therapy — Trigger point therapy is a hands-on physical therapy technique where the physical therapist will place pressure on trigger points to help break down the scar tissue in muscles. It can help improve range of motion and help alleviate pain.
- Myofascial release — Myofascial release is a hands-on technique. 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. These therapeutic exercises can stretch your muscles, helping break up adhesions.
Physical therapy can help decrease the pain you are experiencing from scar tissue. It can also help to improve your flexibility and mobility around the scar tissue area, help you regain sensation if you have experienced any nerve impingement, and can help you rely less on pain medication for pain relief.
Panther Physical Therapy can help you with your scar tissue issues
If you are experiencing difficulties or pain from your scar tissue, Panther Physical Therapy can help. Our expert physical therapists can help you break up your scar tissue, allowing you to live with improved mobility and lessened pain. Scar tissue is a normal part of healing, but dealing with the chronic pain it can cause doesn’t have to be a normal part of your life.
Contact our team today for more information about breaking up scar tissue or to schedule an initial appointment.