Got Scars?

With nearly 1 in 3 pregnancies delivered by Cesarian Section, 100,000 ACL reconstructions nationally, and more than 800 reported cyclist accidents in DC each year, most of us have scars of some sort. Much of the time we assume ‘they are what they are,’ even when they are painful or we are embarrassed by them. If you feel tightness, pulling or irritation around a scar or the scar is more visible than you wish that it was, scar tissue release massage can alleviate those symptoms, often in only a few sessions.

Scar tissue can spread internally, adhering to other tissue, which can cause pain, limited range of motion, a decrease in circulation to the area, or compensation in other parts of the body. For example, c-section scars can cause abdominal constriction long after the scar has healed by adhering the skin tissue to the abdominal muscles and organs. This can affect posture, hinder the full return of abdominal strength, entrap nerves which affects circulation and sensation, and can leave noticeable abdominal scarring. An adhesive scar can also complicate future c-sections, which cut through the same scar, and can make VBAC births more painful or even cause the incision to tear.

Scars are very helpful; they are our body’s incredible way of closing up a hole as quickly as possible. But in favor of speed, scar tissue is different that regular skin tissue and is not grown in the same orderly fashion. Scar tissue is part of the fascial system, a full body web of connective tissue which supports our movement. The fascia thickens to provide extra support when we overtax our bodies through injury, surgery, or malaligned movement. This is a natural part of the healing process but can become a hinderance when fascia bonds the scar to muscles and organs. That’s when pain and discomfort come into the picture--without release, this tissue will likely remain adhered permanently.

Puffy or raised scars can have a painful psychological impact even if physical pain isn’t present. Scar tissue release can often help these scars to resolve and become flush to the skin and barely noticeable. Results do vary, and keloids, unfortunately, do not reduce in size from scar tissue release work, but keloid scars can still benefit from the release of adhesions.

According to Marjorie Brook, one of the leaders in the field, the benefits of scar tissue release include improved flexibility, lessening of the appearance of scars, reduced muscle spasms, improved athletic performance, and increased flow of oxygen and nutrients through the body.

Sessions of scar tissue release massage are surprisingly gentle and can be done in 30 or 60 minute intervals. A small amount of oil is applied and slow, gentle work on the scar and the surrounding area are done by the practitioner. Often the client can feel changes in the tissue immediately including increased ease of movement and increased sensations of touch and temperature.

Licensed Massage Therapist and Freed Bodyworks Founder Frances Reed, begins offering this service this month! Note: All initial appointments are 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions can be done in 30 or 60 minutes. Book Now

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