Understanding Scar Tissue: What It Is + How To Care For It

So you’ve had surgery, your scars have healed and you’re back to your pre-surgery life. Along the way, did anyone tell you about the impact scars—no matter how big or small—can have on your body? Do you know how important it is to "release" scar tissue"? Read on for the answer to all of your scar tissue questions.

This results in a lower functional quality to the normal fiber alignment, reduced flexibility and affects the sensory feedback in that area. Scars also affect our fascia, the body's connective tissue that surrounds all of our muscles, organs and nerves. These collagen fibers are designed in a web-like fashion and can withstand tension from all directions to move smoothly with muscles as they contracts and relax. It's only when scar tissue occurs that this smooth movement is disrupted.

One of many roles fascia plays2 is transmitting force through the body, so if there's an interruption in this system because of scar tissue, the force will impact a single spot along the kinetic chain instead of being dissipated through a larger area. Over time, the fascia has a tendency to bind around the site of scarring and create a pull of tension towards the scar tissue. This can reduce flexibility in the area and cause dysfunctional movement as a result.

Scar tissue needs to be broken down in order for it to realign more functionally and enable flexibility in the area. In order to release scars yourself, you want to massage towards the heart3 and spend at least five minutes using a moderate pressure on both sides of the scar, as well as over it. Try stretching the skin around it in all directions, too. The best time to release scars is after a hot bath when blood flow is increased and skin is softer.

If you’d rather see a therapist about your scars, I’d suggest seeking out an experienced manual therapist in your area who takes scars seriously.