Why Scar Massage?

To Reduce the unsight appearance of the scar but most important to not allow the scar to adhere to the underlying tissue causes tightening and sometimes limiting the range of motion in that area.

What is Scar Massage?

Scar Massage therapy is comprised of an approximate 8 to 10 week program with at least one (but 2-3 perferrred)   5-10- minute treatments a week. There are two different approaches to ease scar tissue. The first technique is lymph drainage. The second is deep tissue and; to lay down the tissue with the natural crease lines of skin and tissue. To receive the most benifits from scar therapy I combine both with additional Myofascial Release work. The goal of the treatments is to work on the tissue as it is regenerating. As the new tissue grows, it does so in a more even fashion. This new even tissue will lessen the appearance of the scar. The deeper tissue adhesions will lessen, allowing lymph to flow and nerves to be uncompressed, lessening contracture and ultimately allowing more motion and less pain.

WHAT IS A SCAR?

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
While 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
While 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.

Six Techniques
As soon as the wound is knitted, massage therapy can be performed. During the initial immature stages of wound recovery, it is imperative that a gentle approach be taken. The following six techniques will be utilized to improve scar tissue:

1. Manual Lymph Drainage
   
2. Myofascial Release
   
3. Deep Transverse Friction
   
4. Lubrication
   
5. Stretching
   
6. Heat Application