Scar Tissue
Fascia is a highly fibrous, elastic, connective tissue that is collagen-rich in nature. It supports our muscles, arteries, nerves, organs, lymphatic system, etc... Scar tissue arises when there is a disruption in the fascia creating thick, adhesive bands that decrease the pliability of the fascia.
Scar tissue is a type of fibrous tissue that forms during the process of wound healing. It is made up of collagen, which is a protein that is produced by the body to help repair and strengthen damaged tissue. Scar tissue can form after injuries such as cuts, burns, surgery, or even as a result of chronic poor movement patterns. Scar tissue can have a range of effects on the body, including limiting range of motion, causing pain, and even leading to movement dysfunction. Physical therapists can play a critical role in reducing and reorganizing scar tissue to improve mobility and quality of life for their patients.
Causes of Scar Tissue Formation
Scar Tissue can arise after a disease, injury or surgery. Some examples of surgeries that can create scar tissue are c-sections, episiotomy, breast augmentation, mastectomy, hip, shoulder, back and knee surgeries.
The formation of scar tissue is a natural part of the body’s healing process after injury. Scar tissue forms when the body produces an excess of collagen in the area of the lesion. This collagen forms a network of fibers, not unlike a spider’s web, that helps to close the wound and repair the damaged tissue. Scar tissue is often thicker and less flexible than the surrounding tissue, and it can be raised or discolored. Scar tissue can also form after surgery, which can lead to adhesions, or the formation of bands of scar tissue that can bind organs or tissues together, causing pain and dysfunction.
Effects of Scar Tissue on the Body
Scar tissue can have a range of effects on the body, depending on its location and severity. Scar tissue can limit range of motion, cause pain, and even lead to movement dysfunction. This is because scar tissue can act like a spider’s web, spreading and connecting to the tissue around it. When scar tissue connects to other tissues, it can cause adhesions, which can limit the movement of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can lead to a decrease in range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as bending, reaching, or lifting.
Scar tissue can also cause pain by compressing nerves or other structures in the area. This can result in chronic pain that can be difficult to manage. Scar tissue can also lead to movement dysfunction by altering the way that muscles and joints work together. This can lead to compensatory movements, which can put additional strain on other parts of the body and lead to further injury or pain.
What are some limitations from scar tissue?
- Limited range of motion
- Pain
- Joint Restriction
- Decreased flexibility
- Decreased blood flow
How Physical Therapy Can Help Reduce Scar Tissue
Physical therapy can play a critical role in reducing and reorganizing scar tissue to improve mobility and quality of life for patients. Physical therapists can use a variety of techniques to help break down scar tissue and improve the flexibility and mobility of the affected area. One technique that is commonly used is manual therapy, which involves using hands-on techniques to mobilize and stretch the affected area. This can help to break down adhesions and improve range of motion.
- Myofascial release
- Cross-friction massage
- Strain-counterstrain
- Cupping
- Soft-tissue massage with mobilization
- Dry needling
- Rebounding
Another technique that physical therapists may use is therapeutic exercise. Therapeutic exercise involves performing specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the affected area. This can help to improve flexibility and reduce pain.
In addition to these techniques, physical therapists may also use scar massage to help break down scar tissue and improve flexibility. Scar massage involves using a variety of techniques to manipulate the scar tissue, such as cross-friction massage, which involves applying pressure across the direction of the scar tissue. This can help to break down adhesions and improve range of motion.
Scar tissue is a natural part of the body’s healing process after injury, but it can have a range of effects on the body, including limiting range of motion, causing pain, and even leading to movement dysfunction. Physical therapists can play a critical role in reducing and reorganizing scar tissue to improve mobility and quality of life for their patients.