Does massage actually break up scar tissue?

Author: Maxine Raynor  |  Last update: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Scar tissue is broken down within a deep tissue massage. A deep, firm pressure is used during a deep tissue massage aiming to get deeper within muscle fibres and tissues. A deep tissue massage breaks down adhesions and collagen fibres that can be caused as a result of scar tissue.

How long does it take for massage to break up scar tissue?

⠀⠀ First, make sure to allow the incision to fully heal before mobilizing the scar. This can take up to 6-8 weeks. You want to start only on the top layer of this skin and working to deep tissue layers gradually. Massaging the scar for 2-5 minutes at a time is plenty.

Can you actually break up scar tissue?

Luckily, there are techniques that healthcare professionals employ to break up scar tissue. For more information about scar management, scar tissue massage, manual therapy techniques, or revision surgery, contact Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute today.

Can massage eliminate old scar tissue?

Scar massage is a way of softening and flattening scars. It can stop scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Your scar or scars will continue to grow and change for about twelve to eighteen months, so the earlier and more regularly you massage your scar, the less the chance of long-term problems.

When is it too late to massage scar tissue?

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.

How To Break Up Painful Scar Tissue To Help Heal After A Knee Replacement

Does vibration break up scar tissue?

Another great treatment that we have is rapid release technologies vibration therapy. What this does, this vibrates at certain frequency, and helps break up scar tissue adhesions.

What breaks up scar tissue the best?

Massage. Deep tissue massage and cross-friction massage are two manual therapies that improve mobility, promote healing, break up existing scar tissue, and help prevent it from forming. Scar tissue massage also helps with those aches and pains that develop when tight areas and adhesions impede healthy movement.

Does internal scar tissue keep growing?

Why internal scars won't stop growing. Normal scar tissue forms to heal an internal wound and quietly retreats when the job is done. But in many common diseases — kidney, liver and lung fibrosis — the scar tissue goes rogue and strangles vital organs. These diseases are largely untreatable and ultimately fatal.

What happens if you pick at scar tissue?

Healing wounds may itch, but you should avoid the temptation to scratch them. “Scratching the wound or picking at the scab causes more inflammation, making a scar more likely,” Fisher says.

What happens if you massage a scar too hard?

Scars generally only reach about 70 to 80% of skins normal strength and therefore can easily be injured. During your scar massage, keep an eye out for blistering, open areas, or a rash. You may be applying too much pressure or being too rough. If this happens, stop massaging in this area and allow it to heal.

How do you dissolve scar tissue naturally?

Lemon/Lime Juice: Place lemon or lime juice on the scar with a cloth. Let this sit for a few minutes on the skin before washing it off. The acidic qualities of the juice help remove dead skin cells along the scar and can lessen the redness or appearance of scars.

What does it feel like when scar tissue releases?

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.

What kind of massage breaks up scar tissue?

The most appropriate types of massage used to breakdown scar tissue include sports massage, deep tissue massage and remedial massage. Sports massage is used to break down scar tissue. A sports massage mainly focuses on areas containing soft tissues. Sports massage can vary in pressure depending on personal preference.

What does internal scar tissue feel like?

Indications of Internal Scar Tissue:

Persistent or recurrent pain in a specific area, particularly after surgery, trauma, or inflammation. Changes in organ function or symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or gastrointestinal issues. Restricted range of motion or stiffness in joints or muscles.

Is deep tissue massage good?

Deep tissue massage helps improve posture by addressing underlying tension and muscle imbalances in the body. It stretches and loosens tight muscles, improves joint flexibility through circulation, releases endorphins, and reduces tension and stress.

Can you get rid of internal scar tissue without surgery?

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.

Does fasting break down scar tissue?

Our study provided the first evidence that two times of 24-h fasting in a week before or after wound injury was sufficient to induce faster wound closure, enhance re-epithelialization and dermal regeneration, and reduce scar formation in mice with diabetic or burn wounds.

How long before scar tissue is permanent?

A scar is a mark on the skin after a wound or injury has healed. You cannot get rid of a scar, but most will fade over time. This can take up to 2 years or more, but there are some things you can do to help it heal or improve how it looks.

How long should you massage scar tissue?

You should apply as much pressure as you can tolerate. Begin with light pressure and progress to deeper and firmer pressure. You should massage your scar regularly- at least 2-3 times a day and for 5 minutes at a time. You should continue this for approximately 6 months until the scar has fully matured.

Is it ever too late to break up scar tissue?

It's best to begin such therapy soon after the surgery, though long enough after for the area to heal. However, the therapy can still be beneficial years later. "By then, scar tissue tends to be really stiff and not easy to move," says Dr.

Does scar tissue pop when it breaks up?

After a surgical procedure, an excess of scar tissue is formed by the body at the site of the procedure and could make a popping noise as it breaks up in the weeks and months to follow.

Will a massage gun break up scar tissue?

Potentially Breaks up Scar Tissue

There are accounts, though not backed up by scientific research, that massage gun therapy can be effective in reducing scar tissue. More importantly, percussive therapy has been reported to ease the pain around these tissues.

What is the fastest way to dissolve scar tissue?

What are the best methods for scar tissue removal?
  1. Manual Therapy. Manual therapy – Applying the right force in the right direction can prevent tissue restriction. ...
  2. Topical Solutions. ...
  3. Laser Therapy. ...
  4. Surgery. ...
  5. Compression. ...
  6. Steroid Injection.

What frequency breaks up scar tissue?

13 hertz is thought to be the frequency that softens or dissolves scar tissue [6].

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