There’s a common misconception that a scar means the worst has already happened. Think about it—when you see a scar, you probably think what caused it—maybe an accident, surgery, etc.—is long gone, and now all that remains is an area of tough scar tissue and a good story. For some however, a scar may be more than just an unsightly mark on their skin. For athletes in particular, when it comes to scars, it can literally take them out of the game. Here are some key things you need to know about massaging scar tissue after surgery, but first let’s talk about the pain and what exactly is scar tissue.
Let’s Talk About The Pain
Whether caused by surgery, an accident or a disease, the scar tissue that forms as a result, has the potential to cause chronic pain afterwards, either by:
affecting the joints, as in the case of scar tissue around the knee or spinal cord. It does this by taking the place of healthy tissue, as in the case of some diseases, or another of its methods, inflicting pain as nerves begin to develop.
In fact, not all scars are immediately painful. Often times, the nerves around the area of injury or incision become damaged as well, lessening the overall discomfort for a while during the healing process. But as time goes on and the nerves begin to regenerate, or—depending on the nature and location of the scar—the scar tissue begins to hinder otherwise healthy tissue in that area, you may begin to feel pain and discomfort.
The good news is there are a variety of massage techniques that can benefit most types of scars, lessening their severity and improving pain. When it comes to small external scars, most people just chalk them up as one of life’s “too bads”—something you’ll have for the rest of your life that you can do little about. Some even embrace them, proud of the extreme sport that may have caused it, or opt to cover it up with tattoos to minimize its appearance. But for deeper scars that cause discomfort, targeted massage methods can help further the recovery process and restore normal function.
What is a scar?
In order to understand how scar massage for athletes might work for you, it helps to first acquaint yourself with what a scar actually is.
Phases of a Scar
A typical scar forms during three phases of wound/incision healing. During the inflammatory phase, the wound is red and inflamed as blood clots to protect the wound. During the proliferation phase, the collagen fibers begin to form to close the wound. Finally, during the remodeling phase, the actual scar as we know it forms on the surface of the skin, while below the damaged nerves begin to regenerate, and you may begin to feel pain, itchiness, irritation and sensitivity. Over time, the scar typically goes from a purplish color to white to something close to your actual skin tone.
Scars may continue to heal for up to two years after the initial injury or incision. During this time they can take on their characteristic appearance, which depends on a variety of factors including location on your body, tightness of skin and genetics.
Keep in mind there are also the scars you can’t see because they happen inside the body, but even though they’re not visible doesn’t mean they don’t cause their share of pain. For example, after certain injuries like tearing a hamstring or a rotator cuff, scar tissue can develop in the muscle as it heals. If it’s a bone injury, a callus—or bony scar tissue—will form around the site of the fracture. Usually, all types of scar tissue eventually remodels itself to be as un-obtrusive to the area in which it’s formed, however when it doesn’t, you may experience pain and discomfort.
Scar Tissue Pain Symptoms
Problematic scar tissue can cause a variety of symptoms,
long after the wound that caused it has healed. Here are some of the most common:
• Swelling and inflammation• Redness• Sensitivity, especially when touched• Irritation, itchiness or throbbing• Reduced range of motion• Creaking or squeaking sounds or sensations in the area
What Does Scar Massage Do?
Applying a specialized massage technique to your scar, especially in the first two years after your injury/surgery, can have myriad benefits that may also assist your body’s healing process. Here are some of the main benefits and advantages of scar massage:
• Increased blood flow: by infusing the damaged area with fresh, nourishing blood, you can help boost the healing process as well as increase the pliability of the scar tissue.
• Decrease built-up scar tissue: over time, the build-up of scar tissue can make muscles feel stiff and even weaken them. Severe cases of scar tissue build-up may even require surgery. Massaging the affected area helps to break down scar tissue, freeing up your joints and allowing muscles to regain function and flexibility.
• Drain excess fluids: this helps reduce swelling and take painful pressure off the area.
• Restores feeling: this includes diminishing any numbness and soreness as well as tingling that results from damaged nerves.
• Smooth over the appearance of the scar: depending on the location and nature of the scar, regular massage may help to smooth its irregular texture.
How to Massage Your Scar
There are a few different methods of scar massage for athletes, each tailored to a different type of scar or location. If you feel you may benefit from scar massage, the most important step to take is to talk to your doctor or physical therapist to determine two very important factors. A) if you are a candidate for scar massage, and B) if your scar is ready for such a technique. Massaging your scar too early or incorrectly could easily inflict more damage than good, so make sure you’ve got the go-ahead from a medical professional before starting any kind of scar massage regimen.
• Start with proper lubrication, such as vitamins E oil, lotion or cream. Vitamin E is known for its skin-health benefits. If you’re working on open sores or incisions, skip the lubricant and talk to your doctor first.
• Cross Fiber Friction Massage: this method involves massaging your scar in a perpendicular motion to the line of the scar, using one or more fingers. The gist of cross-friction massage is that it further remodels the scar by aligning the collagen fibers. Practice 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes.
• Instrument-Assisted Tissue Massage: usually done by a physical therapist, this method involves an assortment of stainless steel instruments, each designed in a certain shape to break up the scar tissue by repeated rubbing motions.
• Stretching Exercises: these stretches are intended to elongate the injured tissues and improve their mobility, thus preventing stiffness from forming.
• Self-Massage: take the pad of your thumb or finger and massage the scar in a circular motion, pressing firmly but not to the point of pain. Start by going up the scar clockwise, maintaining pressure all the while, then repeat going counter-clockwise. Then stretch the skin around your scar apart and repeat the massage technique with your thumb or finger. Slide up and down the scar with firm pressure, alternating directions to ensure full movement.
The Bottom Line
Aside from those we discussed above who’d gladly use their scars as a canvas for a tattoo, scars can often have a much deeper impact on us—not just physiologically but also mentally. Engaging in scar massage therapy not only has the potential to improve your discomfort and help you regain the health and vitality you had before, it also forces you to have some 1-on-1 time with your injury, which can promote acceptance and peace overall.
Disclaimer: All information published on this site is for educational purposes only.
Do not attempt without your physician’s clearance. If you are in pain or injured, see your physician.
