Nearly everyone has a scar of some sort. It may be a tiny scar from a scrape as a kid, a surgical scar, or a scar tied to something bigger, an accident, a time in your life. In a lot of cases there are no issues with our scars but for some people they might experience pulling, pain, or numbness. They may even experience referred pain, pain in an area seemingly unrelated to the scar. These sensations may continue for years and years with very little or no change. These are all very common things to experience with a scar but are not what I would call normal. Not all scars are problematic but for the ones that are, what can we do?

Some really great options to consider for scar management are massage therapy, movement and exercise, and self care including self massage. The most common causes of scar tissue dysfunction typically come down to suboptimal healing and tissue that lacks hydration and mobility. Current research suggests that movement and exercise are the best methods for promoting optimal healing as they maintain the hydration and mobility that is key for a healthy scar and full function. Massage also aids in improving hydration and mobility through the contact of the massage therapist. It is also great for managing swelling which will impact mobility and help the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Special modalities with massage may be beneficial as well, such as cupping therapy which creates a lift to improve tissue hydration and mobility, and acupuncture which stimulates the connective tissue and aids in healthy function.

There is so much that can be done to promote healthy scars and functional bodies but it is really not talked about enough. I hope to start those conversations and spread the word that common is not normal. Check out my other posts if you want to learn more about scars, their impact on our bodies, and what we can do. Let’s create a new normal together.