6 physical therapy methods that can be effective for breaking up scar tissue

Physical therapy can help with every stage of healing both surface wounds and damage deep inside soft tissue. As broken or torn tissue heals, the initial scarring must be reabsorbed and replaced with new tissue. It needs a supply of oxygen and nutrients, so increasing blood flow to the area helps this process. Breaking up scar tissue allows more blood to get through, and it helps mobilize soft tissue that has become stiff. 

There are several different physical therapy treatments that help break up scar tissue so your body can finish the final stages of the healing process. Some methods, like the Graston Technique® and ultrasound therapy, are highly targeted to create direct stimulation. Others, like therapeutic exercise and stretching, can break up scar tissue while promoting circulation and healthy movement in the surrounding area.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the role of scar tissue in the healing process and physical therapy treatments that can help break it up when its job is done.

6 effective methods for breaking up scar tissue

When tissue is damaged, the body starts putting a structure in place right away so new cells can start growing. This happens as part of the inflammatory response. The next step is scar tissue formation. Cells called fibroblasts fill the new structure with collagen fibers or scar tissue, which binds and strengthens the wound. After the scar is formed, the body begins to remodel the new tissue to be more like the surrounding healthy tissue. 

Scar tissue is tougher than ordinary tissue so it can help fortify the area while your body rebuilds. It keeps the area stiff while new cells are still forming, and in surface wounds, it helps keep the skin from breaking open. When scar tissue is no longer needed, the body will start to break it up. Targeted movement and stimulation can speed this process up and help ensure that you heal more completely. This is where physical therapy comes in. 

The following are six physical therapy treatment methods that can help break up scar tissue:

1. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — In this technique, your physical therapist uses stainless steel ergonomic tools to locate and break up scar tissue. The tools allow for more sensitivity so your PT can locate stiff tissue under the skin. They also help your PT create more precise, deep stimulation without straining their hands.

2. The Graston Technique — The Graston Technique is a type of IASTM that requires a specific set of instruments. It helps loosen up tightness between layers of tissue to speed up the healing process and relieve pain. 

3. Manual therapy — This technique is sometimes called myofascial release or soft tissue mobilization. Joint mobilization is also a type of manual therapy. Your PT will use their hands to make massage-like movements. This helps relieve adhesions or knots of tension between layers of tissue known as trigger points. 

4. Therapeutic stretching — Therapeutic stretching supports natural movement and alignment between muscle fibers. It can help increase blood flow to parts of the muscle that have become stiff to promote healing. Stretching too soon after an injury or stretching too much can make an injury worse. You should talk with a physical therapist before stretching an area with deep scar tissue.

5. Ultrasound therapy — An ultrasound wand delivers high-frequency sound waves into scarred tissue to create heat and gentle stimulation. This helps restore circulation and movement so your body can heal.

6. Therapeutic exercise — Targeted exercise can help restore healthy movement in tissue and joints that have been affected by injury. Your PT can guide you through exercises to increase your range of motion and get blood flowing to areas where you have scar tissue so your body can reabsorb it.

Get personalized treatment to break up scar tissue and facilitate healing at KC Rehab

Breaking up scar tissue at the right time, in a targeted way, can support your body’s healing process for the best outcomes. The process will look a little different for each person and each injury. Certain health conditions can affect your body’s ability to heal damaged tissue. Physical therapists at KC Rehab have the training and the experience to help you heal. Don’t try to use these methods yourself without speaking to a physical therapist. 

Physical therapy begins with an in-depth assessment so your PT can determine the best course of treatment. They’ll ask you questions about what you’re experiencing and do a physical examination. Then they’ll work with you to create a multiphase treatment plan.

Are you ready to find out if physical therapy is right for you? Contact our team to schedule an initial appointment today.