BALANCE IN MOTION BODYWORK
Santa Barbara Massage & Pain Therapy
Scar Tissue Massage
An often overlooked cause of pain is scar tissue. At Balance in Motion, I treat old injuries and scar tissue, which shorten muscle tissue and cause compensation issues. This kind of massage should also be part of any post-surgical massage therapy.
Scars develop on the skin’s surface as the result of burns, deep lacerations or a variety of other injuries that penetrate or interrupt the skin’s integrity. Possessing an amazing capacity to heal and regenerate, the skin forms a scab over a wound within three to four days following an injury. By day ten the scab typically shrinks and sloughs off as the body focuses on laying down collagen fibers to strengthen the former site of injury. The damaged tissue can be in recovery between three months to over a year before it returns to full strength. Additionally, some diseases or skin disorders (such as acne) may also result in scar tissue formation. While scars can result from a variety of traumatic events to the skin, they share some common characteristics. As a general rule, the earlier and more consistently scar tissue is exercised, massaged and warmed, the less possibility of developing any long-term concerns.
Scar Traits
While the degree of scar formation varies from person to person, there are some distinguishing characteristics:
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Becomes hard and non-pliable
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Bands of fibers on or below the surface
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Skin tightens or shortens. When crossing a joint, this contracture may limit range of motion, comprise function or cause deformity.
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Becomes dry and reopens to form a wound if not managed properly. This is especially true for skin grafts, which do not produce oil or sweat.
Benefits of Scar Tissue Therapy
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Improves flexibility
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Lessens the appearance of scars
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Helps to relieve stress on the body from fascial tension
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Reduces muscle spasms
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Helps to prevent adhesions forming after injury or surgery
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Promotes balance in the body
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Helps maintain good posture
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Improves athletic performance
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Reduces the risk of muscle tears and strains
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Improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients through the body
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Helps regain and maintain a full range of joint movement
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Stimulates lymph circulation
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Reduces the possibility of long-term problems due to fascial adhesions
Long-Term Effects
While the body’s formation of scar tissue is an awesome demonstration of self-preservation, the resulting fibrous mass can set the stage for problems down the road. Composed primarily of collagen, scar tissue’s fibrosity prohibits adequate circulation. In addition to the physical limitations of collagenous tissue, the lack of blood flow and lymph drainage occurring in scar tissue makes it vulnerable to dysfunction.
The resulting abnormal stress on a scar’s surrounding structures may include:
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Nerve impingement
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Pain
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Numbness
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Limited range of motion and flexibility
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Postural misalignment
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Muscle atrophy
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Tissue hypoxia
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An increase in potential for future injury
In fact, some professionals believe that scar tissue is the root of a majority of physical imbalances. Bodyworkers addressing scar tissue early in its development can help minimize any of the preceding secondary scar tissue problems.
Two Phases
A scar’s healing progression consists of two phases, immature and mature.
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Immature – Immediately after a wound heals, the scar is immature. During this period it may be painful, itchy or sensitive as nerve endings within the tissue heal. While it is typically red in appearance, most scars fade to normal flesh color with maturation. Exercise, massage and heat application will have the greatest positive effect on an immature scar.
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Mature – Depending on the size and depth of the wound, scar tissue will cease production 3 to 18 months following wound healing. When scar tissue is no longer produced, the scar is considered mature. While techniques to reduce scar tissue in a mature scar are effective, a more disciplined and vigorous approach is necessary.