Today’s topic is scar tissue, how it forms and ways to treat it. When muscles (or other soft tissues) are over-stressed or injured, our bodies use scar tissue as a patch repair. This is a natural part of the healing process. However, if the source of the injury in not corrected, the tissue will accumulate too much scar tissue, which then becomes a problem. Symptoms may not resolve if the scar tissue is not broken up and the source of tension discovered.
People are often surprised to learn that many of the conditions that produce pain or limit performance are related to scar tissue. We often use a work-out related analogy. You've likely worked out hard enough to get sore before. Well, you damaged your muscles during the workout. You then likely allowed enough of a rest period so that the muscles healed and got stronger. However, if incorrect form/posture was involved or you have a severe injury, your body will heal with scar tissue instead.
Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) and Graston (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) are two soft tissue releases offered at ACR.
Active Release is the gold standard of soft tissue care. It is not a massage but instead works out the scar tissue and helps the tissues to heal normally with long-lasting results.
Graston uses instruments rubbed over the skin to break up scar tissue and create permanent changes. It works well for "shin splints" or tendonopathies.
If you have any questions, please contact our office! We are here to help. Have a great weekend!
No comments:
Post a Comment