Massage And Scar Tissue
Scar tissue is a natural part of the body’s healing process, forming to replace normal skin after injuries, surgeries or other traumas. However, the resulting scars can often become tight, restrictive, and even painful, impacting not only appearance but also function and movement, potentially negatively affecting nerves, fascia, lymph and muscles. Whether it’s a minor cut or a significant surgical incision, the formation of scar tissue can lead to complications that are more than just skin deep, often serving as a very constant reminder of the original trauma.
Scars can be dysfunctional by restricting mobility, impairing muscle function, causing sensory changes, numbness, tingling, pulling and in the case of abdominal scars e.g. c-section or hernia scars, digestive issues and impaired diaphragm function (breathing). This happens because our fascia has been adversely affected. Fascia is made up of sheets of connective tissue that wraps around organs and muscles. It provides support to muscles, organs, tendons, ligaments, joints and bones. Healthy fascia is flexible and moves and stretches with us, but if fascia tightens it can limit mobility and cause pain, discomfort and dysfunction.
Scar tissue massage aims to increase fascial movement and function, minimise aesthetic impact of a scar, increase lymphatic and vascular flow and reduce stress responses in the nervous system.
So, what can you expect from a scar tissue massage?
Firstly, discussion about the scar and its origins. The depth of this discussion is entirely dependent on patient comfort level (as scars are often associated with trauma, an in-depth discussion about the origins of the scar could be more detrimental than helpful).
Range of motion, posture and/or breathing assessments depending on where the scar is.
Often a scar tissue massage will start with some grounding such as breathing techniques or visualisation exercises to help with any anxiety associated with the scar.
Massage, starting off gently and getting deeper over and around the scar. Bringing in fascia release and gentle stretching techniques.
