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.
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.
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.
silicone dressings or gels. steroid injections or cream. cryotherapy (a treatment to freeze the scar)
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.
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.
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.
Corticosteroid injections.
Steroid injections are often used to treat raised scars, like keloids or hypertrophic scars. The steroids are injected directly into the scar to break down collagen fibers, making the scar smaller, flatter, and softer.
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. Cryosurgery.
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.
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.
How much does a deep tissue massage cost? A deep tissue massage typically costs between $90 – $110 per session, depending on the severity of the muscles that need to be targeted, the length of the massage, and your location.
People with Certain Medical Conditions. While deep tissue massage can be beneficial for many, it's not recommended for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, cancer, or blood clotting disorders, it's best to steer clear of deep tissue work unless your doctor gives you the green light.
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.
At about 12 to 18 months, a surgical scar is considered fully mature. After that, C-section scar massage won't provide the same healing benefits.
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.
Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars
By sealing in moisture it also helps to reduce dryness of scarred skin, once your skin has healed. This may help to improve the appearance of scars, making the skin look smoother and softer, as well as help to reduce itchiness caused by dryness.
Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.