Scar Tissue Management With Occupational Therapy
Scars tell stories. Each mark on our skin narrates a unique journey, a testament to our resilience. Yet, for many, scars can also be a source of physical and emotional discomfort. This is where the art and science of scar tissue management step in, guided by the skilled hands of occupational therapists.
What is scar tissue?
Scar formation is a normal process in how our bodies respond to an injury or surgery, and may only involve superficial layers or be formed deeper in the tissues of ligaments, tendons, or nerves. Scars can lead to functional limitations and be very sensitive and painful.
Scar tissue is not inherently permanent. The tissue can undergo a process called remodeling in which adhesions (abnormal clumps of cells), are gradually relaxed and replaced with normally aligned cells. Depending on the maturity and extent of the injury, remodeling can take weeks or up to years. This is where occupational therapy comes in to help.
How can occupational therapy help?
Occupational therapy is for those recuperating from physical or mental illness. Occupational therapy encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life. Our occupational therapists (OT) use a variety of therapeutic techniques to improve, rehabilitate, or maintain a patient’s overall ability to perform everyday activities.
For example, an OT will assess the types of activities that are important to the patient and teach them how to become independent again, so they can resume the roles that define who they are.
After an injury or surgery, you may have a scar, which can be thick, red, and raised or can stick to the tissues underneath the skin, which can limit movement. Scars can also impact the sensation felt in the affected area, causing it to be overly sensitive or numb.
Problem scars may be:
- Hypertrophic – remains within the original parameter
- Keloid – expands outside the margins of the original wound
Once scar tissue has healed completely (no open areas or scabs), gentle moisturizing can begin, which helps keep the scar soft and supple and offers relief from itching. Regular and routine massage of the scar is essential to help break down the scar tissue that’s forming. It will also help as the sensation returns to the skin.
Your OT will work with you to determine the best treatment for your scar management. Options may include:
- Scar massage or vibration to help decrease hypersensitivity
- Active range of motion exercises to prevent joint stiffness and tendon adhesions
- Orthotic fabrication to assist with achieving full extension
- Kinesiology tape to stretch scar tissue in the remodeling phase
What do patients with scar tissue hope to accomplish through occupational therapy?
The benefits of scar tissue therapy at Comprehensive Rehab include:
- Restore normal functional mobility
- Minimize scar tissue development and physiological restrictions
- Decrease the itchiness of scars
- Restore function to a part of the body that is restricted by the scar
- Reduce pain caused by scar tissue
- Improve your muscle’s ability to generate force
- Psychological support to lesson the impact on your mental health
- Improve your quality of life and self-esteem
- Improve the appearance of scars
Let our occupational therapy experts at Comprehensive Rehab assist you every step of your scar management journey. Contact Comprehensive Rehab today at 877-530-6356. We have Iowa offices located in Clinton and Maquoketa.