Getting Rid of Internal Scar Tissue (Adhesions)
Adhesions: Scar tissue can become restrictive and painful if it’s not addressed early. While most people think of scars as marks on the skin, many injuries create internal scar tissue within muscles, ligaments and tendons. This internal scarring ( fibrosis or adhesions) can limit movement, cause discomfort and increase the risk of re-injury. In this blog, you can find the answers to the most common inquires patients have about this unwanted scar tissue.
What Is Scar Tissue?
When soft tissues such as muscles, tendons or ligaments are injured, the body begins a natural healing process. Instead of regenerating identical new tissue, the body produces collagen fibres to repair the damaged area.
What are Ahdesions?
Adhesions or fibrosis are the resul of overproduction of collagen, creating unwanted inner scar tissues. Collagen is essential—its Greek root means “glue-producer”—but:
- The fibres are laid down quickly and irregularly, forming a tougher, less flexible structure than the original tissue.
- This disorganised collagen can accumulate into dense scar tissue.
- Without treatment, these fibres can bind to nearby muscles, nerves or fascia, creating adhesions, stiffness and pain.
- Over time, untreated scar tissue may reduce mobility, contribute to inflammation and disrupt normal biomechanics.
Why Treat Scar Tissue Early?
During the early healing stage, collagen fibres are still remodelling. This makes them more responsive to treatment aimed at:
- Improving alignment of fibres
- Increasing flexibility
- Preventing long-term adhesions
- Reducing the risk of chronic pain or reinjury
Treating scar tissue early is important because once scar tissue becomes mature and rigid, treatment takes longer and may be less effective; in other words, it´s like allowing a paintbrush to dry stiff rather than cleaning it immediately.
Evidence-Based Treatments for Scar Tissue
1. Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound part of the therapy since the 1940s and remains a common clinical tool. It uses sound waves (typically 0.8–1 MHz) to produce deep tissue vibration.
Scientific studies show ultrasound can help by:
- Increasing local blood flow
- Improving tissue oxygenation
- Reducing muscle tightness
- Supporting early collagen remodelling
Although ultrasound alone may not fully break down mature scar tissue, it can be very beneficial in the initial healing phases and enhances the effect of manual therapies.
2. Manual techniques
Manual lymphatic drainage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release and other manual therapies are widely used to treat adhesions. Research indicates that these techniques can:
- Break down or reduce scar tissue adhesions
- Improve range of movement
- Decrease nerve compression or irritation
- Reduce pain
- Reduce stress and anxiety due to the condition
- Support proper collagen alignment for long-term healing
A final word
- Scar tissue treatments work by targeting deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, these techniques help restore flexibility and prevent the formation of rigid fibrotic tissues (adhesions, hard lumps, etc.).
- If you also have visible skin scarring, an after surgery specialist can provide an holistic treatments based on your specific needs.
- Maintaining Results: Warm-Up, keep mobing and strecht, your therapist will teach you how to do it.
- Once scar tissue has been treated, structured aftercare is essential. Regular mobility work, progressive stretching and proper warm-ups help maintain tissue flexibility and reduce the risk of future injury.
Need Support With Scar Tissue Treatment?
We’re always here to help. If you have questions or want to know which treatments is right for your condition, contact us. You can find us in Islington and Mill Hill Broadway. If you like this blog, please share!
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References:
https://d-nb.info/1197702474/34
