Scar Mobilization

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Scar Mobilization?

Scar Mobilization is a specialized treatment method that our physical therapists use in order to remodel scar tissue that has developed in injured tissue. It's a form of rehabilitation that uses pulling and stretching to remodel scar tissue. Scar mobilization / massage helps you regain mobility and strength in your damaged tissue. This treatment may be helpful for you after you've experienced an injury that results in a buildup of scar tissue, including surgery, fracture, or soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains.

Scar tissue can develop almost anywhere in the body. Some examples of how scar tissue appears include:

After Surgery: Scar tissue will develop where the surgical incision is. For example, if muscles and tendons were cut or repaired, scar tissue would grow there.

After Muscle Injuries: In a hamstring tear or rotator cuff tear, scar tissue will develop in the muscle as it heals.
After a Fracture: Bony scar tissue, called a callus, will form on the bone after a fracture.

Scar tissue is not a permanent fixture in the body. After it forms and heals, the scar must remodel. Remodeling is a natural part of the healing process. During remodeling, your body rebuilds the scar so that it becomes stronger and more similar to the tissue that was there before the injury. This adjustment is necessary so the new tissue can tolerate the stress and forces that the body typically experiences in a day.

Remodeling is essential to ensure that your injured tissue regains normal range of motion, strength, and mobility. When scar tissue doesn't remodel correctly, it can lead to mobility loss and joint contractures (a shortening and tightening of fibers that make movement difficult).

Our physical therapy specialists perform scar tissue mobilization in order to improve the strength and mobility of patients, particularly those who have recently had injuries or surgeries.