Do you have a scar from an accident, injury, or surgery? While a scar is usually a sign that the body is healing and mending itself, in some situations scars can actually cause issues. As the skin heals from surgical incisions or an injury this can lead to the buildup of adhesions (scar tissue), which can pull the skin and neighboring tissue around organs and muscles. As a result, this can restrict function and 
movement and lead to other problems such as pain, muscle weakness, musculoskeletal imbalances, nerve impingement, and numbness.
Since scar tissue has the ability to spread, even internally, it is important that you consult with an osteopath to find ways to minimize scar tissue. An osteopath is a medical professional that specializes in providing drug-free and non-invasive treatment options including osteopathic manipulative medicine to improve how the musculoskeletal system functions as a whole. Rather than focusing on a specific symptom or a localized area, an osteopath provides systemic care to ensure that all parts of the body function and work together properly.
An osteopath can treat scar tissue through a gentle therapeutic technique known as scar tissue release therapy, which is used to reduce pain, adhesions, and darkening of scar tissue. Scar tissue release may also be combined with customized massage therapy to improve functionality.
Patients may feel a slight tugging as the scar tissue is released during therapy. This is completely normal and well-tolerated. Even once the session is over, you may still notice changes occurring to the scar tissue as it releases and heals over the next 1-2 days.
There are many benefits to getting scar tissue release therapy including,
- Improved posture
- Better athletic performance
- Reduced scar visibility
- Improved movement and flexibility
- Reduced pain and discomfort
- Better posture
- Less stress placed on the body
- Improved circulation and blood flow to the area to speed up healing
- Improved joint mobility
When you come into the office, your osteopath will be able to examine the scar and determine which treatment or treatments will provide the best results. Of course, the sooner patients begin scar release therapy after an injury or surgery, the better. Depending on the size and severity of the scar, results can appear in as little as a few weeks of regular release therapy, while more significant scars may take months or years to see results.
Whether you are dealing with a visible C-section scar or a scar from a bad fall, an osteopath is able to help reduce adhesions and other complications through scar tissue release therapy. Contact your local osteopathic doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you!