Introduction
Are you conscious of your scars – whether from an injury or surgery? In addition to being unsightly sometimes, scars can hurt physically and psychologically. Thankfully, there are excellent treatment methods available, including scar massage and physiotherapy.
In this blog, we’ll look at the advantages of physiotherapy for scars and how scar massage can help with both aesthetics and discomfort. Read on to find out how these treatments can make you feel more at ease and confident in your own skin, whether you have a recent injury or old scars.
Physiotherapy for Scars:
Physiotherapy is a type of rehabilitation that concentrates on regaining the body’s function and range of motion. Physiotherapy can be very helpful in reducing the stiffness and tightness that is frequently associated with scar tissue. Because they are experts in the human body, physiotherapists can customise a treatment programme to meet your unique needs and objectives.
Physiotherapists may employ a variety of methods to treat scar tissue. Stretching is a typical method that can assist the tissue around the scar become more flexible. Active stretching, in which you complete the stretches on your own, is an alternative to passive stretching, which involves the physiotherapist moving the injured area.
Exercise is another method utilised in scar physiotherapy. Strength and flexibility can be enhanced by exercise, which helps lessen discomfort and enhance function. Depending on your needs and capabilities, your physiotherapist could suggest particular activities, such strengthening or range-of-motion exercises.
The ability to increase range of motion is one advantage of physiotherapy for scars. Scar tissue can restrict motion in the injured area, which can be annoying and have an adverse effect on your quality of life. Your physiotherapist can assist in enhancing your range of motion and lowering discomfort by including stretching and exercise into your treatment plan.
Remember that physiotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all kind of treatment. Your physical therapist will evaluate your scar tissue and create a custom treatment plan based on your unique requirements and objectives. Consider speaking with a physiotherapist to determine whether physiotherapy is appropriate for you if you struggle with scarring.
Scar Massage?
To break down scar tissue and encourage healing, the practise of “scar massage” uses pressure and friction. Scar tissue differs from healthy tissue in that it is frequently thicker and less malleable, which can cause pain and a restricted range of motion. Scar massage can be a useful technique for minimising scars’ visible effects and increasing their general suppleness.
While there are several scar massage treatments, all of them include applying pressure to the affected area. To work on the scar tissue, your therapist may use their fingers, knuckles, or other instruments. Depending on where the scar is and what kind of scar it is, they will gently apply pressure and friction while moving in a circular or back-and-forth manner.
The circulation and blood flow in the affected area can be improved with scar massage, which can lessen pain and speed up recovery. Additionally, it can increase flexibility and aid in the breakdown of scar tissue, making it simpler to move the injured area. For scars that are thick, elevated, or have an uneven texture, scar massage can be especially useful.
It’s crucial to remember that only a qualified professional, such a physiotherapist or massage therapist, should do scar massage. They can evaluate your scar tissue and choose the procedure that will work best for you. Additionally, they can show you how to massage your scars at home so that you can keep making progress between treatments.
Overall, scar massage can be a useful component of a scar therapy regimen. Flexibility can be increased, discomfort can be lessened, and scars can look better. Consider speaking with a qualified practitioner about include scar massage in your treatment plan if you struggle with scar tissue.
Emotional Advantages
Scars can have a profound emotional effect on people. In some situations, they cause anxiety and stress and can have an impact on one’s self-worth and conception of one’s body. The emotional state can be enhanced by actively participating in the healing process through scar massage and physical therapy.
Additionally, physiotherapy and scar massage can help people feel more attuned to their bodies. It may seem like our bodies have betrayed us when scar tissue restricts our range of motion. However, by addressing scar tissue, people can reclaim their confidence in their bodies and feel closer to their physical selves. This can help with anxiety as well as body image and self-esteem in some cases.
When to Seek Treatment:
Scarring is a common occurrence following surgery, an injury, or trauma.
However, it could be time to get help if your scars are causing you pain, restricted motion, or emotional anguish.
Even if there is no limitation from the physical aspect of the scar – we can improve the visuals of it too! We can change colour, thickness and texture in many cases.
Conclusion
Scars can significantly affect a person’s physical and emotional health. But there are excellent treatments out there that can ease discomfort, increase flexibility, and improve emotional wellbeing. Examples include scar massage and physiotherapy.
People can enhance their quality of life and regain trust in their bodies by actively participating in the healing process and getting therapy when necessary. It’s crucial to keep in mind that scars are a typical part of the healing process and that getting treatment does not imply that you have a problem.
Consult a healthcare provider about include physiotherapy and scar massage in your treatment plan if you struggle with scar tissue. You can heal your scar tissue, lessen discomfort, and improve your general well-being with the correct support and care.
FAQs
To break down scar tissue and encourage healing, the practise of “scar massage” uses pressure and friction. Scar tissue differs from healthy tissue in that it is frequently thicker and less malleable, which can cause pain and a restricted range of motion. Scar massage can be a useful technique for minimising scars’ visible effects and increasing their general suppleness.
Its a little different for each and every scar but once fully healed, physio & massage can start to help from quite early on. The best and safest thing is to get assessed first! Once your sutures, stitches or staples are out – contact your physiotherapist.
Usually no, again it depends on the size, location and the type of the scar. This can be assessed for you and more accurate outcomes can be given. A scar is a notally natural part of the body’s amaxing healing process and we can significantly reduce the visual aspect and thickness of scar but even once faded they wont go completely.
Yes, most healthcare providers cover Physiotherapy and within Physio scar massage and treatment can be done!
We can help! We have specialists in all our clinics; Solihull, Birmingham; Edgbaston and Moseley.
Yes, but safer to get a health care professional to show you the technique first!
Depends a little on the stage of healing, but it can be as frequently as daily in some scenarios. If you get assesseed we can advise!
