Treatment for Painful or Stiff Scar Tissue

Scar formation is a normal response after injury or surgery. After trauma, the body produces extra collagen to add strength to weakened tissue. Scar tissue can be external as seen with cuts or lacerations, burns, fractures or surgery. Scar tissue can also be internal and may affect damaged tendons, ligaments or nerves. As the healing process progresses, fibrous tissue grows and the affected area may become raised, thick, firm and hypersensitive, causing less flexibility and pain. Symptoms of scar tissue pain include:

● Itching and burning sensation near the scar
● Tenderness and sensitivity
● Inflammation or swelling
● Lack of mobility of the injured joint
● Warm feeling in the affected area

Scar tissue should be treated as early as possible to help avoid long-term issues. The longer it is left untreated, the more problematic it can get.

Physical or Occupational Therapy for scar tissue includes:

● Manual massage helps to regain mobility and strength in the damaged tissue
● Early controlled motion- exercises and stretching to reduce stiffness
● Desensitization to improve overly sensitive scars

If you or a family member are suffering from painful or stiff scar tissue following an injury or surgery, the Elite team is here to help! With locations in Stoughton and Foxboro, Elite Sports Performance & Physical Therapy offers an experienced team of skilled physical therapists and occupational therapists who can help relieve your symptoms, improve your strength and mobility, and get you back to doing the things you love with less or no pain. Our treatment approach features a combination of therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to help treat your pain AND give you the skills to help manage it in the future. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 781-436-0391 (Stoughton) or 774-332-1723 (Foxboro), email us at PTinfo@EliteFitCenter.com or visit HERE to learn more about therapy here at Elite!