Scars and Scar Tissue may have a huge influence on our presenting muscular problems.
What Scars and Scar Tissue can cause:
- restrictions in the fascia,
- reduction in blood and lymph flow,
- weaken muscular strength,
- reduce the flow of energy,
- inhibit joint movement,
They may feel and look unpleasant and may even upset us emotionally due to the traumatic events that created them.
The effects of post-surgical scars on the human body cannot be underestimated. According to researchers Karel Lewit MD and Sarka Olsanka: ‘If the scar is…untreated, it may be the cause of therapeutic failure and recurrence.” (1). In other words, no matter what physical therapy intervention is used, untreated scars may oppose our best efforts to remedy related pain and restrictions in mobility.
The body forms scar tissue as a natural response to trauma when the skin is lacerated or punctured by accident or purposefully IE. Surgery. Collagen is laid down during the repair process and results in a thickened, fibrous mass that can interrupt the proper circulation of blood, congest lymph flow, and even impact Range of Motion. Additionally, the severing of delicate nerve tissue often results in Dysesthesia of the scar and the adjacent, surrounding tissue as the scar is fibrous and non-elastic. It will have a dragging and pulling effect on all physiological systems’ biomechanical function, particularly the fascial membrane covering muscles, organs, and glands.
One interesting side-effect of MSTR® work is the common feedback from patients that they feel more energised after scar work has been performed. Possibly an increase of energy (and blood flow) through those restricted pathways…
The treatment of scar tissue is a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal and myofascial pain. Untreated scar tissue may inhibit other treatment applications from successful and longer-lasting outcomes. Psychological and emotional states may also improve as scar tissue is addressed, and the patient experiences better integration and normalisation of the tissues.