Do you have scars? I think almost everyone does, whether it be from a wound or a serious operation. I have a lot of little scars all over my arms and legs. I even have a long one on my head that starts an inch down onto my forehead to about four or five inches up onto the top of my head. It took 100 stitches to close it up. I am grateful that over the years it has blended in and is not so noticeable anymore.
After a wound has healed on the outside there is still damage under the scar. If you have a scar near or on a joint area you may have noticed that there are limits in your range of motion or some other discomfort. To “fix” or “cure” these limitations some people will have the scar tissue removed through another operation. That doesn’t make sense to me since all it is doing is creating more scar tissue.
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have learned how to rid a body of scar tissue without having to get an operation. Some of the benefits of coming to me are:
- I cost less, unless you have insurance that covers it for you.
- You don’t need to take any drugs to put you to sleep, though some of you may like the drugs.
- It is usually painless. I say “usually” because sometimes there may be a bit of discomfort if it is a deep scar (which requires deeper work) or if it is an immature scar, meaning a somewhat newer scar. The technique even works on old scars.
- There is no cutting open of the skin. You walk out with your whole body just as in tact as when you walked in.
-Once you learn the techniques you can do it yourself which is even cheaper. I can’t believe I’m saying that.
As a massage therapist, I always keep in mind that scar tissue may be at the root of your physical imbalance. Several years ago my wife experienced severe pain due to scar tissue build-up after a series of operations. It was pain that most likely could have been avoided had she known, after the first surgery, what we do now about massage. But it’s not too late to undo some of that damage. Not only can I minimize a scar’s appearance with bodywork, I can also therapeutically correct the cause of my client’s physical ailments.
Below is an article to give you more insight into your scar. If you are interested in treating your scar(s) please give me a call or email me.
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What is scar tissue?
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
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
The degree of scar formation varies from person to person, there are some distinguishing characteristics:
· Becomes hard and non-pliable
· Bands of fibers on or below the surface
· Skin tightens or shortens. When crossing a joint, this contracture may limit range of motion, comprise function or cause deformity.
· 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.
Long-Term Effects
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:
· Nerve impingement
· Pain
· Numbness
· Limited range of motion and flexibility
· Postural misalignment
· Muscle atrophy
· Tissue hypoxia
· 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.
· 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.
· 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.