If you are worried about your scar, remember that they can certainly be treated. Whether your scar is the result of an injury, surgery, burns, or any other medical condition, it can be a serious concern that should not be ignored.

For some, scars my cause physical discomfort while for others it may limit their movement or cause emotional problems.

Physical therapy can help you treat scars regardless of their cause or intensity. With the help of this treatment you can manage scars and make sure you are able to treat them in the best possible way.

Before we see how physical therapy can help you heal scars, let us first look into the nature of scars and see what they really are.

What Are Scars?

A scar refers to a mark that forms when your skin repairs itself after an injury, burn, or surgery. Certain medical conditions such as acne or keloids can also cause this problem. In order to heal the wound your body produces collagen so the new tissue may appear to be different than the rest of the skin. The size of the scar and its appearance may vary in terms of texture, size or shape.

While some scars may heal smoothly and heal over time, others may cause discomfort or  restrict your mobility.

Types of Scars

There are various types of scars which can be treated with the help of physical therapy. Here are few common types:

Adhesions: These scars refer to the ones that form under the skin, when layers of tissue stick together.

Hypertrophic Scars: these scars refer to the red raised scars that are within the area  of the wound.

Contracture Scars: these scars result due to burns.

Keloid Scars: These scars grow outside the edges of the original wound. In some cases, they may continue to grow over time. Such scars can be painful and may recur even after you remove them.

Surgical Scars: as you can guess by the name, these scars result after major surgeries like knee replacements, or abdominal surgery. They may cause discomfort and stiffness.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Scars

Physical therapy is a highly dynamic treatment that can help you treat many conditions including scars. Unlike general perception, it is not limited to treating muscles and joints. This treaetment can help you with soft tissue rehabilitation. Scars are causing problems can be treated with physical therapy.

Types of Physical Therapy for Scar Treatment

Your physical therapist may use a number of techniques, exercises and modalities to manage scar tissue. Here are few commonly used methods:

Manual Therapy

Also called Scar Mobilization, Manual Therapy refer to hands-on massage and mobilization techniques which can break down adhesions and stretch the scar tissue. It can also help improve skin elasticity. As a result, your skin tightness will be lessened.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

This is another type of physical therapy that uses tools like Graston or HawkGrips to apply controlled pressure for breaking up deep scar adhesions. It also helps improve circulation to the affected area.

Myofascial Release

This physical therapy technique focuses on the connective tissue around muscles and organs that may become effected because of scars. By releasing these fascial layers, this treatment will help  reduce pain and restore mobility.

Compression Therapy

For scars caused by burn, compression therapy can be a great option. It works by applying pressure garments or silicone sheets to flatten the scar. This why the look of the scar gets better over time.

Desensitization Techniques

If you have painful or hypersensitive scars, this physical therapy technique can help. Your therapists may use graded exposure to lessen discomfort.

Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises can also help with scars. They lengthen scarred tissues and ensure flexibility in the joints and other muscles. Your physical therapist may use active and passive range-of-motion exercises depending on the type of scar you have.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy is also used to treat scars. Deep heat is applied to scar tissue to improve elasticity and soften the tissue.

Kinesiology Taping

Your physical therapist may use taping around a scar to lift the skin, improving circulation and lymph drainage, helping lessen tension on your scar.

Electrical Stimulation

Techniques such as low-level electrical stimulation are also a treatment option to enhance tissue healing, and reduce pain.

Benefits of Treating Scars with Physical Therapy

Here are few benefits of treating scars with physical therapy:

• Physical therapy helps improves scar mobility and tissue flexibility
• It helps reduces pain caused by scars
• It can also be useful for removing itching, and hypersensitivity caused by scars
• Physical therapy also helps improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage to the affected area
• This treatment can help breaks down adhesions and internal scar tissue
• It is great for supporting skin and muscle healing
• With physical therapy you can restores range of motion around joints and muscles
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Final Thoughts

Physical therapy is a wonderful treatment for scars that can give you desirable results. As scars not only impact your look but also limit your mobility, and overall life quality, you must not ignore them. With the help of effective treatments such as physical therapy you can treat your scars without any worry.

Whether you have a post-surgery scar or one caused by burn or any medical condition, you will find the best-suited treatment in the form of physical therapy. With the help of the right physical therapy for scar you will be able to end your pain, improve mobility and regain your lost confidence. Good luck!