If you have recently been injured or had to undergo surgery, scar tissue can form in the injured area or where the incision was made in an operation. Scar tissue is a problem because it binds your muscles in awkward ways. It is tight, limits your range of motion and can be painful.
Left unaddressed, scar tissue can recede on its own. However, this takes a long time and can lead to muscle healing improperly due to your limited movement. Instead, you can visit a physical therapist for active release therapy and other treatments that help break down scar tissue.
What can cause scar tissue to form?
Soft tissue damage can arise from sudden trauma, but also from the slow accumulation of minor trauma. Sudden trauma injuries that form muscle adhesions include:
- Muscle strains
- Joint sprains
- Ligament tears
Repetitive motion or cumulative trauma causes of scar tissue include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
How does active release physical therapy remove scar tissue?
Treatment for removing the muscle adhesions are individualized to you depending on the severity and location of the pain. Manual pressure, tension and specific movements are used to break up these adhesions. These movements are based on an understanding of anatomy and sensitivity of touch that specially trained physical therapists gain through years of practice and experience. Often, pain similar to that felt from the original injury can accompany treatment, especially in the first few treatments.
What are the advantages of active release physical therapy?
The biggest advantage of active release physical therapy is that you may be able to avoid surgery to remove the scar tissue. Surgery comes with the risk of infection, and because the body is being cut into, more soft tissue damage and scarring can result during the body’s natural healing process.
Visit SOL for active release therapy
Scar tissue and muscle adhesions do not have to limit your quality of life. Active release physical therapy may help to regain your range of motion and reduce your pain.
If you’re ready to talk to someone about breaking down your scar tissue and helping restore your range of motion, contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
