Heat helps to soften up the scar tissue that exists as a result of an old injury or a previous surgery. Scar tissue is formed in random, criss-crossing patterns, has poor circulation, and contracts when you sleep. Stiff, old scar tissue is not your friend.
Heat helps reduce scar tissue formation and relieves the aching caused by the chronic stage of inflammation. Apply heat as described in the Subacute stage of inflammation as needed and receive at least 1 massage a month to reduce scar tissue formation.
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.
Massage, moisturizers, and silicone gel, among other at-home treatments, can also help. A doctor may recommend additional treatment, such as fat grafting or scar revision surgery if the pain persists.
Mild-to-moderate exercise increases circulation and improves range of motion. Targeted exercise also helps prevent and reduce scar tissue overgrowth. Stretching promotes proper remodeling and improves scar tissue flexibility.
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.
Laser surgery.
Most laser therapy for scars is done in conjunction with other treatments, including injections of steroids, use of special dressings, and the use of bandages. Multiple treatments may be required, regardless of the initial type of therapy. Pulse dye laser is a good choice to use for keloids.
After that, it's generally considered beneficial to alternate between heat and ice until pain subsides and swelling goes down. Use heat in the morning to warm up stiff muscles and ice in the evening to reduce swelling or pain associated with movement throughout the day.
There are many types of therapies for scar tissue, but the standard treatment commonly involves exercise and massage — specifically, stretching and pulling the scar tissue to soften, align and elongate it.
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.
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.
Applying a silicone dressing such as Scarguard™, or any variety of silicone sheet “Scar Treatment” bandage (available at most drugstores) at night will help many scars flatten out and soften. Silicone sheets can be purchased at any local pharmacy, grocery store, Walmart, etc.
Maybe think twice about ice
"Icing is more about comfort than treating inflammation," Frenkiewich says. Some research shows that icing an injured area can hinder healing. A long period of applying cold to the skin—intended to numb the area and reduce inflammation—can curtail blood flow and potentially harm soft tissue.
Heat helps to soften up the scar tissue that exists as a result of an old injury or a previous surgery. Scar tissue is formed in random, criss-crossing patterns, has poor circulation, and contracts when you sleep.
To achieve therapeutic results, you must do this in a very specific way. The key is to ice for 20 minutes, causing the vessels to narrow, and then heat for 15 minutes, causing the vessels to dilate. This acts as a pumping mechanism to the inflammation, pushing it away from the injured area.
While heat helps improve circulation and blood flow, ice reduces blood flow thereby reducing inflammation and swelling.
Stretching and flexibility exercises are other common ways to help scar tissue repair. It can aid in the lengthening of wounded tissues as well as their general mobility. Your physical therapist is likely to include scar massage and stretches in your rehabilitation regimen if you've had an accident or surgery.
Cortisone injections.
A steroid is injected directly into the scar. This can help soften and then shrink hard scars. Keloids and hypertrophic scars often soften after this treatment.
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.
You should carry on massaging your scars for at least three to six months after your surgery or injury. What happens if I do not do anything? Your scar could become hard and inflexible or adhesions may form. Scars that cross a joint could stop you being able to bend or straighten the joint (a contracture).
Some people use certain essential oils — such as Helichrysum, lavender, or tea tree oils — on the skin to promote wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars.