Internal scar tissue will never go away. However, if treated properly, you can work to restore movement and minimize pain. There are a variety of treatments for scar tissue pain – some more effective than others.
Scars can take up to 2 years to mature fully and go through stages of healing. This slow process may explain why some people do not experience scar tissue pain immediately. Initially, the scarring may look minimal, but the scar may get bigger over many weeks or become raised, firm, and thick.
As we get fatter or older, they get worse.” Most fibrotic disease likely begins as normal repair of an injury, scientists said. “But if the immune system produces too much of an initial scar, it can't go back to normal,” Varga said. “You have an unhealed scar that keeps growing and can wipe out the entire organ.”
For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.
It is often described as aching, burning, stabbing, throbbing, or tingling in or around the scarred area. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and its intensity can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the scar, the extent of tissue damage, and individual pain tolerance.
Diagnosis of adhesions
Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, x-ray procedures, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasound will not diagnose adhesions.
The most common cause of surgical scar pain after surgery is a nerve that is injured or stuck in scar tissue. You may not only experience pain from scar tissue, but may also have swelling, itching, and increased sensitivity.
Increased temperature is a common physiological effect that helps to break down scar tissue. Increased temperature involves both superficial and deep tissues increasing in temperature. Increasing temperature of tissues within the body helps to loosen scar tissue.
Additionally, physical therapy can help to reduce the risk of scar tissue build up and break up any scar tissue that is already there.
Foods to avoid
White varieties of bread and baked goods such as wraps, crumpets, scones, chapattis (avoid any crusts). Plain cakes made with white flour, e.g. Victoria Sandwich, Madeira. Wholemeal and granary bread and baked produces, fruit scones, teacakes, fruit cakes, cakes containing nuts.
Dermatologists may inject a corticosteroid solution directly into a hypertrophic scar or keloid, which may help reduce its size. Steroids break the bonds between collagen fibers, which reduces the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin.
Physical therapy can be a viable option for scar tissue treatment and associated pain. Physical therapists use a combination of active and passive motion to break down and retrain scar tissue. Active motion refers to a patient moving the affected area under his or her own power.
A physical therapist may be able to help get rid of scar tissue with a specialized treatment known as the Graston Technique. This technique promotes muscle fiber separation, which can alleviate pain caused by scar tissue and can even help restore flexibility.
Previous research on intermittent fasting has demonstrated its notable impact on diabetic wound healing. It can enhance re-epithelialization and dermal regeneration while reducing scar formation.
If pain is a symptom, then over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually recommended initially but if these do not help then the patient should see a doctor who can recommend other treatments and consider referral to a pain specialist.
Overview of Scleroderma
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis (thickening) in the skin and other areas of the body. When an immune response tricks tissues into thinking they are injured, it causes inflammation, and the body makes too much collagen, leading to scleroderma.
Massage is a way of softening and flattening scars and reducing the adhesions between the different layers of the tissue, making the scar tissue more flexible. It can also help alleviate any itching and over-sensitivity of the scar.
Scar tissue can have a local area of pain when touched or stretched or it can produce a referred pain that feel like that of a nerve which is a constant annoying burn that occasionally turns sharp.
The procedure can also break up scar tissue and improve circulation of blood and lymph to promote healing of the affected area. It's typically used to treat chronic pain and minor orthopedic injuries.
Excessive scar tissue, or fibrosis, can lead to ongoing pain and inflammation. If the fibrosis becomes excessive enough, it can cause a loss of tissue function. Fibrosis can lead to a vicious cycle. It prevents normal movement, which leads to ongoing pain.
Scar Tissue Release Therapy is a gentle yet effective modality. In your session you may feel such sensations as a slight tugging or pressure as the scar tissue is released.
Massaging the scar with Vitamin E Oil, Mederma™, or other lotions can help soften the scar. For some scars that are tending to thicken, your doctor may suggest an injection of a medication such as Kenalog™ into the scar.