subject: Massage Therapy and Scar Tissue Development and Care [print this page] Massage Therapy and Scar Tissue Development and Care
Scar Tissue is a collagen-based tissue that is a result of the inflammatory process. Inflammation is a part of the healing process of damaged tissue skin, muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, and nerve. The causes of scar tissue is the result of the inflammatory response resulting from trauma, prolonged immobilization of a limb or structure, paralysis (loss of muscle function due to central nervous system). Scar tissue is disorganized, collagen fibers that is laid down, where as normal, functional tissue, is organized tissue.
Different Types of Scar Tissue:
Contracture
Shortening of connective tissue (muscle, tendon, and ligament) around a joint. This causes the joint to have decreased Range of Motion (ROM).
Adhesion
This occurs when there is decreased Range of Motion (ROM) of a joint, causing collagen fibers to be laid down, further, reducing ROM even more. Often this occurs with muscle shortening for a prolonged period of time poor posture, decreased joint flexibility.
Scar Tissue Adhesion
This occurs with trauma or acute inflammatory process. Collagen fibers are laid down in for tissue repair.
Fibrotic Adhesions
Occurs with chronic inflammation, causing restrictions in ROM.
Irreversible Contracture
Occurs when fibrotic tissue or bone replaces muscle and connective tissue.
Proud Flesh
Thick dermal (skin tissue) granulation tissue that is a result of abnormal healing process.
Hypertrophic Scar
Over growth of dermal tissue that remains within the boundaries of the wound. Most commonly occurs with burns.
Keloid Scar
Dermal scar tissue that extends past the boundaries of the wound.
Effects of Massage in Scar Tissue:
Massage Therapy is good to decrease the edema, before the scar tissue develops. Collage fibers form in edema, therefore removal of the extracellular fluid can ultimately reduce the amount of scar tissue that develops. Scar tissue can also pull on other structures, creating problems in other parts of the body. Massage, along with hydrotherapy, has proven to soften scar tissue by freeing restrictive fibrous bands, and increasing circulation. The use of warm/hot hydrotherapy is good to warm the scar tissue, and then massage to break up the adhesions. Massage helps desensitize hypersensitive scars and increase sensation if the scar is hyposensitive. Massage also helps decrease the redness, the discolouration, and helps to bring the scar tissue to a tissue normal colour. Massage Therapy is great preventative care to minimize the scar tissue development, for people that have wounds that are still in the healing stages. Massage is also great for people that have old scars surgical and wounds. Massage Therapy and exercise help reline the collagen fibers to become organized tissue. Massage Therapy promotes relaxation and decreases pain.