Myofascial Release This involves using hands to massage the skin and underlying tissues around the scar to manage scar tissue and adhesions accompanying it. Usually, physical therapists use slow motions and light force in this method.
Techniques such as myofascial release, deep tissue massage, and soft tissue mobilisation are particularly effective in treating adhesions. These methods work by gently stretching the scar tissue and surrounding muscles, increasing flexibility and reducing the tension that often accompanies adhesions.
Baylor Medicine offers the Graston Technique® for injury treatment and rehabilitation. This remarkable procedure allows us to detect and treat areas of “scar tissue” or adhesions in muscles, tendons and ligaments that can reduce our range of motion and cause pain.
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.
As friction massage causes a transverse movement of the collagen fibers, it helps in preventing adhesion formation. In situations where adhesions are already formed a more intense friction can help to break them as well.
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.
One of the most effective methods is called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). This technique makes use of metal tools. The tools are designed to fit specific areas of the body, and they allow therapists to apply therapeutic pressure. It's this pressure that helps break up adhesions.
What is Effleurage? Effleurage is a light friction technique commonly used to begin a massage treatment. Effleurage is made up of long, stroking movements which are performed using a flat hand or fingers. Effleurage is used to increase the flow of the lymphatic system.
Active Release Techniques (ART) are a soft tissue method that focuses on relieving tissue tension via the removal of fibrosis/adhesions which can develop in tissues as a result of overload due to repetitive use.
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.
Adhesions can be treated either with open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, known as adhesiolysis. The adhesions are cut by scalpel or electrical current.
Friction is a massage technique used to increase circulation and release areas that are tight; particularly around joints and where there are adhesions within the muscles or tendons. Friction is defined as “an accurately delivered penetrating pressure applied through fingertips”.
One of the most common techniques used in visceral therapy is gentle pressure and manipulation of the internal organs. This technique involves the therapist using their hands to apply gentle pressure to the organs, moving them in a circular motion to help stimulate the flow of fluids within the body.
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.
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.
If you notice an adhesion forming, it is important to try to gently pull it apart immediately. Vaseline can often be used to soften adhesions and prevent skin bridges from forming. If you are not sure if an attachment represents simple adhesion or a skin bridge, please see a doctor for evaluation.
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.
A treatment that shows promise is low level laser. Check with your CLT or physician to learn more about this approach to helping break down fibrotic tissue. Some therapists also use a negative pressure device or metal, ceramic, or plastic tools to help soften the fibrotic tissue. Only a CLT should use these methods.
To perform scar massage, you want to use the pad of your thumb or fingers directly on the scar and begin by rubbing in a circular matter. You want to be sure to give enough pressure to move the scar and skin, not just rub your fingers on top of the scar.
Scar massage is used to improve the appearance and/or long-term healing prospects of scar tissue after cancer treatment. This therapeutic technique's main goals are to: improve the appearance of scars. improve blood circulation to the scarred areas for faster healing.
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.
Cross-friction massage is a deep tissue massage technique that involves applying pressure to the affected area in a perpendicular motion to the direction of the muscle fibers. The purpose of this technique is to break down adhesions and scar tissue, increase circulation, and promote healing.