Why can scar tissue become painful? Scar tissue explained

Though scar tissue is a natural part of healing, its development is not always good for you. Your body will start to develop scar tissue after healthy tissue becomes damaged. Tissue damage can occur for many reasons, from on-the-job injuries to surgeries and infections. As your body repairs itself, it forms dense collagen fibers called scar tissue. Scar tissue is not the same as your typical surface tissue. Since it is dense, it doesn’t have the elasticity of regular tissue. This difference is one factor that can contribute to pain around scar tissue. Understanding the reasons why scar tissue becomes painful can help you learn about your own condition and the steps you can take to find relief.

Why scar tissue can hurt

Scar tissue can hurt for various reasons. These reasons are often rooted in the nature of scar tissue and the ways it differs from regular tissue. Scar tissue tends to be dense and inflexible. While this can sometimes help protect your body, it can also create complications, especially when near joints or other sensitive areas. Some specific reasons why your scar tissue might hurt include:

• Adhesions — An adhesion is a band of scar tissue formed inside the body. Adhesions typically form between surfaces in the body, often in the abdomen. Adhesions can be caused by internal injury, surgery, inflammation and other factors, and they can press against nearby organs and tissue, causing pain. If you have adhesions, getting treatment can be essential. In severe cases, surgery may even be recommended. However, nonsurgical treatments can also be a viable way to get relief. Physical therapy treatments such as manual therapy techniques can help break up adhesions and promote proper healing.

• Inflammation — Scar tissue sometimes forms in response to chronic inflammation. It can also become inflamed itself. When your scar tissue gets irritated, often from pressure and friction with nearby tissue, it can lead to pain. Inflamed scar tissue is often painful and tender to the touch. If your scar tissue is inflamed, anti-inflammatory medications and specialized physical therapy treatments may be needed to provide relief.

• Nerve compression — When scar tissue forms near nerves, it can trap or compress them. A compressed nerve can cause lingering pain, tingling and other symptoms. Nerve pain often radiates, meaning it can spread. If your scar tissue is compressing your sciatic nerve in your calf, for example, you might experience nerve pain throughout your leg and even into your back. To avoid continued symptoms and potential nerve damage, addressing nerve compression as soon as possible is essential.

Effective physical therapy treatments for managing painful scar tissue

When it comes to managing painful scar tissue, physical therapy is a great option. Physical therapy involves a range of techniques and approaches. After assessing your condition, your physical therapist will work with you to build a tailored treatment plan. Some treatments that might be incorporated in addressing your scar tissue include:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy refers to hands-on physical therapy techniques. Using their hands, your physical therapist can help mobilize and manipulate tissue with highly targeted techniques. Soft tissue mobilization techniques can be especially useful for managing scar tissue. Soft tissue mobilization can help break up large scar tissue formations, which may help reduce your pain. Manual therapy doesn’t just work on external scar tissue — it can also help break up adhesions and improve blood flow to affected areas. If your scar tissue is creating stiffness at your joints, assisted manual therapy stretches can help restore your flexibility. Your physical therapist will tailor their approach to your specific treatment needs.

• Dry needling — Dry needling can be a great way to get quick, long-lasting pain relief. Reports show that dry needling generates a rapid decrease in pain and improvement of mobility in scarred tissue. It works by releasing tension and triggering natural healing processes.

• Targeted stretches — Physical therapy stretches enable you to take an active role in your recovery. When addressing your scar tissue, your physical therapist may guide you through a range of targeted stretches. The best stretches will depend on your physical condition and the location of your scar tissue. After assessing your condition, your physical therapist can develop an exercise program that matches your particular needs and recovery goals.

Alleviate your pain and accelerate your healing with specialized treatment at KC Rehab

KC Rehab can help address your painful scar tissue. With prescribed exercises, manual therapy, dry needling and many other treatment methods, we can provide effective care tailored to you. Our expert team is committed to helping each patient make a recovery and achieve their health goals.

Contact our team today for more information about treatment options or to schedule an initial appointment.