Scars

Our massage therapist Jess recently completed additional training in the management of scar tissue. Below she outlines information about scars and the pros and cons of scar tissue management with massage therapy.

A scar forms when the body repairs tissue that has been damaged. This damage may result from surgery, injury, burns, or infection. Scar tissue is primarily made of collagen fibres, which fill the wound and knit the area back together to close the injury. These collagen fibres are thicker and more densely packed than those found in healthy, undamaged skin. This difference in structure is why scars often look and feel different from the surrounding skin.

While scars are a natural part of the healing process, they can sometimes cause mobility restrictions, discomfort, or pain. Some scars affect nerve pathways, leading to altered sensation such as numbness, reduced sensitivity, or a “pins and needles” feeling. Scars may also have an emotional impact, acting as a reminder of trauma or an unpleasant experience, or affecting confidence due to their size, location, or appearance.

Types of scars include:

• Atrophic – Indented or hollow scars caused by a lack of collagen, such as acne scars or stretch marks.
   
• Hypertrophic – Raised scars caused by excess collagen production. These remain within the boundaries of the original wound and may improve over time.
   
• Keloid – Raised scars caused by an overproduction of collagen. These extend beyond the original wound and typically do not improve over time.
   
• Contracture – Tight, inflexible scars that pull on surrounding tissue, most commonly caused by burns.
   
• Normotrophic – Flat, pale scars that are flexible and closely resemble the surrounding skin.

Scar treatment with massage

There are effective ways to reduce scar tissue restrictions, pain, and altered sensation, as well as improve appearance. Massage is a minimally invasive and effective treatment option for most scars. Using specialised techniques, scar massage can help break down fibrous tissue and adhesions while increasing circulation to the area.

Potential benefits of scar massage include:

• Improved flexibility and range of movement
   
• Reduced pain, sensitivity, or numbness
   
• Improved texture and appearanceOver time, scars often become softer and flatter, helping them blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.

Scar massage can usually begin around 8 weeks post-injury or surgery, once the wound has fully healed. Some people notice improvements after a single session, while others may require multiple treatments depending on the scar’s size, type, and severity. Scars do not need to be recent to benefit—older scars can still respond very well to treatment.

Scar massage techniques can also be beneficial for other conditions involving fascial or soft tissue restriction, including plantar fasciitis, Dupuytren’s contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, and axillary web syndrome. Treatment can also be safely performed on scars that are covered by tattoos.

When scar massage should be avoided

Scar massage should not be performed if a wound is still healing or if there are signs of infection. If you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, recovering from cancer, or being monitored by an oncologist, clearance from your medical team is required before treatment. Scar massage should also be avoided over areas with surgical mesh beneath the tissue, as this may cause irritation.

What next?

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact our team on 95801985 or book online with Jess here.