Scar Tissue Prevention, Reduction and Management through Massage
Scars are a testament to the body’s remarkable ability to heal itself. What Is Scar Tissue?
Scar tissue develops when the body produces new collagen fibers to repair damaged tissues, whether from planned surgeries or unforeseen injuries. This new tissue is typically less elastic and has a different texture and appearance compared to the surrounding skin.
Types of Scars
Hypertrophic Scars: Thick, raised, and often red scars that may fade over time.
Keloid Scars: Raised, smooth, shiny scars that extend beyond the original wound.
Atrophic Scars: Indented areas in the skin, creating a thinner appearance.
Contracture Scars: Formed near joints or skin folds, leading to tightened skin that can restrict movement.
Adhesions/Fibrosis: Internal scar tissue connecting previously unconnected tissues, often resulting from surgery, infections, or inflammation. These can sometimes be felt as hard spots under the skin.
Striae: Commonly known as stretch marks, these are breaks in connective tissue that occur during rapid skin changes, such as growth spurts or pregnancy.
Physical and Psychological Effects of Scars
Scars can have profound physical and psychological impacts. Beyond cosmetic concerns, scar tissue can lead to numbness, heightened sensitivity, and disruptions in the nervous system, affecting sensation and mobility. The emotional responses to scars vary widely, ranging from pride to grief, depending on the individual’s relationship with their body and the story behind the scar.
Benefits of Scar Tissue Massage
Massage therapy can significantly aid in the healing and management of scar tissue. It's essential to consult with a doctor before starting any massage therapy before and after planned surgery or procedures .
Understanding the Stages of Wound Healing
Wound healing occurs in four stages:
Homeostasis: Initiates immediately to stop blood loss.
Initial Inflammation: The immune response kicks in to prevent infection.
Proliferation: New tissue forms to close the wound, starting 2-3 days after injury and lasting up to six weeks.
Remodeling: This final stage can last months to years, during which the scar matures and the tissue adapts.
Preparing for Surgery with Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Before surgery, massage therapy can promote relaxation and improve lymphatic flow, enhancing recovery and scar tissue formation. Ideally, patients should have 2-3 sessions in the week leading up to the procedure.
How MLD Aids Healing
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle technique that facilitates lymphatic flow, reduces swelling, and lowers the risk of infection. This helps minimize inflammation, alleviating pain and promoting better blood circulation for tissue repair.
Post-Operative Massage Therapy
In the first month after surgery, regular MLD sessions (1-3 times a week) are recommended. Once scabs have fallen off, techniques like connective tissue massage and myofascial release can be introduced to prevent adhesions and fibrosis.
The Impact of Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) on Scar Tissue
CTM and myofascial release focus on relieving tension and adhesions in connective tissue. These techniques encourage healthy collagen formation, improve blood circulation, and enhance overall healing, positively affecting pain levels, mobility, and the cosmetic appearance of scars.
Addressing Mature Scars
Many individuals may seek massage therapy for cosmetic or functional concerns related to older scars. Techniques such as CTM,and myofascial release can greatly improve the appearance and texture of scars, alleviate pain, and restore mobility.
Conclusion
It’s nearly impossible to make it through life without scars. Thanks to the body’s amazing healing capacity, scar tissue knits our body back together when it gets wounded. Unfortunately, this can lead to unwanted functional and cosmetic impacts. Massage therapy can facilitate recovery, minimize discomfort, and optimize scar tissue healing.
