Physical therapists commonly use scar tissue massage to help remodelscar tissuethat has developed in injured tissue.
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What Is Scar Tissue?
Collagen(a protein found in muscles, bones, and other tissues) forms scar tissue.
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After an injury, your body lays down collagen that will become normal healthy tissue.
Collagen that develops under typical, healthy circumstances aligns to give your tissue strength.
However, the collagen cells that form in response to an injury do so randomly.
This sporadic layering leads to the buildup of scar tissue.
Scar tissue can develop almost anywhere in the body.
Is Scar Tissue Permanent?
Scar tissue is not a permanent fixture in the body.
After it forms and heals, the scar mustremodel.
Remodeling is a natural part of the healing process.
Remodeling
Stretching and pulling the area helps the remodeling process.
This stretching allows the collagen to align and return to normal.
Remodeling is essential to ensure that your injured tissue regains normalrange of motion,strength, and mobility.
If contractures form, they are permanent.
How Long Does Remodeling Take?
Everyone is different and heals at different rates.
In general, it takes about six to eight weeks for injured tissue to remodel entirely.
If the wound does not heal within eight weeks, contact your healthcare provider.
Unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars don’t extend beyond the boundary of the the original wound.
They may also instruct you or a family member how to massage scar tissue properly.
Massaging a scar that is not fully healed can damage the developing scar tissue, which can delay healing.
Lubrication keeps the scar and skin flexible and soft during scar tissue massage.
Cross Friction Massage
One effective method of scar massage is called cross-friction or transverse friction massage.
This technique helps to remodel the scar.
It also ensures that the collagen fibers of the scar are correctly aligned.
PTs commonly use cross-friction massage to treat the following:
The technique is performed for five to 10 minutes.
Myofascial Release
Myofascialrelease(MFR) manages scar tissue and the adhesions that may accompany it.
The technique involves using the hands to massage the skin and underlying tissues around the scar.
Motions are slow, and the amount of force is usually light.
Your PT can feel for tissue restrictions, calledfascia, in various directions.
They can then work to improve movement in those restricted directions.
This technique uses special stainless steel instruments of various shapes and sizes to massage and move tissues.
Your PT may use this technique by rubbing your scar tissue with an instrument to break up the tissue.
However, research to date hasnt made a compelling case for the effectiveness of IASTM.
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.
Stretching scar tissue may be an essential component of your recovery.
This technique helps restore normal mobility.
If you have had surgery to repair the broken bone, scar massage over your incision may also help.
Another way to improve callus formation in bone is by performing weight-bearing exercises.
The bone grows in response to the stress that is placed on it (known asWolffs law).
Does Science Support Scar Tissue Massage?
Although more research is needed, some evidence suggests that massages may provide moderate-to-strong pain relief for burn scars.
A 2020 meta-analysis examined massage as a punch in of physical scar tissue management.
The meta-analysis also concluded that massage therapy may have a moderate effect on pruritus.
Can I Self-Massage a Scar?
Yes, it’s possible for you to self-massage a scar.
All you need is a water-based cream or skin-safe plant oil to lubricate the skin.
Do Massage Guns Break Up Scar Tissue?
Massage guns are effective for targeting deeper skin layers and stimulating healing blood flow.
Ask your healthcare provider before using a massage gun to ensure your wound is completely healed and ready.
Scar massage helps you regain mobility and strength in your damaged tissue.
PTs use a variety of techniques in scar massage.
Additionally, they may instruct you how to do the exercises on your own at home.
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