Breaking up Scar Tissue

[peter d]

I know that cross fiber friction is great to break up scar tissue, but I am wondering if there is anything else I can be doing, or have someone do to me?

I just recently (jan 25) had abdominal surgery and have a C-section type scar that I am working to minimize, and help heal.

I started by massaging lavender oil over the incision as soon as the brusing had gone away. This is supposed to help the incision itself heal quicker, and minimize the appearence of the scar. That has worked very well IMO so far.

I have switched to Palmers Scar Serum which is a thicker consistancy and allows me to do some deep transverse friction in the underlying fascia tissue.

I have also started sporatically stretching my abs with cat cow yoga positions, and plan on getting back into the class again next week.

So is there anything else I can be doing at this point to decrease the scar?

Thanks all!

 

[Nancy L]

Multi-drecition friction.

Sustainted holds on the scar.

Active Release Techniques (ART)

ASTYM or Graston (you have to have a physical therapist or Chiro do those)

patrick

 

[Now Now]

sustained holds~ can you elaborate? compression, direct pressure?
and if you could elaborate on the ART positions, or ASTYM that would be apreciated as well.
Thanks Patrick!

 

[guyster]

With the incision just 6 weeks fresh, I would be hesitant to do too much deeper wotk yet. My rule of thumb is 8-10 weeks before doing MFR on a scar such as yours, as even though the surface may appear to be healed, the entire scar is still quite delicate. Go easy with yourself: Continue with lighter work, then progress to deeper when things are quite healed.

 

[Emily G]

I agree on above posts to wait a little for deeper work, but also wanted to mention that massage cupping is great for scar tissue.

let us know what you do and how it works out for you!

 

[balloon buster]

Wow has it only been 6 weeks!? It feels like its been much longer than that. I will keep more superficial for now, and do what feels comfortable.
Any one else have any suggestions?

 

[Bleeding Heart Liberal]

Breaking up Scar Tissue

...a C-section type scar that I am working to minimize...

I am wondering if something like Mederma would help a scar like that "minimize" visually.... or if it even is something you are interested in....

I've seen the copy-cat version sold by Walgreens (or was it CVS pharmacy?) do wonders on a scar from a burn.

 

[thejanith]

There's a homeopathic topical cream that is good for scars.
It's called "Scar-Erase" and can be acquired here: http://www.homeopathyworks.com/jshop/product.php?xProd=484&xSec=203

 

[MJsLiberianGirl]

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy would be helpful. Find someone who is trained by Upledger. This method is very gentle and can be used 14 days after surgery.

 

[Edward]

Just saw a commercial today for a new drug (topical) that breaks up scars... can't remember the name. Anyone heard of it? Thoughts?

 

[Fiona]

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy would be helpful.

Good idea! t023

 

[rescue member]

Just saw a commercial today for a new drug (topical) that breaks up scars... can't remember the name. Anyone heard of it? Thoughts?

Don't know what drug you are thinking of, but some athletes have told me they've had success with DMSO. However, extreme caution is advised.

 

[Bo P]

Premo,
Tough area to work on when you're working on yourself...definitely give your body time to really knit together...

To expand on recovering from abdominal surgery:

I still feel fascial restrictions from my abdominal surgery almost 3 years ago. The three things that help are yoga, especially the twists, my inversion table, and laying across a big stability ball.

Enhancing the movement of the lumbar spine by doing pelvic tilts along with cat/cow is important. I find that the pressure and friction on the sacrum during the tilts provides a good massage to the multifidi.

Breathework is also helpful, especially since you may notice residual numbness in your lower abdomen.

I hope you're healing fast and back to normal soon!

 

[subtleanarchy]

Premo-

Definitely be gentle with yourself. One thing I would definitely urge you to do is multi-directional friction [w/ appropriate level of touch] because of how many different directions the body tissues move in the area.
My reason for that suggestion is this:

Waaaaaay back when I helped the ex hubby race harness horses we had "sore toed taddies" galore - especially horses with bowed tendons and suspensory ligament problems. The vet told me to work doing friction massage in the directions that the tendons and ligaments worked "in order to align all that mishmash of scar tissue cells" in a more orderly fashion so that it will move better". The horses I did that kind of work on did indeed have better ROM, etc than the ones that I didn't have the opportunity to spend much time on.

I wish you the best with your healing process. Take your time and take care.

 

[John "THE GREAT"]

From the most recent edition of Massage Today.

Massage for Surgical Adhesions and Scar Tissue: A Case Study

The three-step approach of first releasing ischemia, fluids and toxins, then applying directed myofascial unwinding strokes, and finally releasing individual fibers allowed me to work with Sara staying within her pain thresholds even during the most intense phase of her rehabilitation. Using this three-step approach, the deepest of the surgical adhesions were able to be released, which ultimately released her structure into balance.

 

[BoomBoom]

have had great results with the massage cream " Soothing Touch " the calming cream.

I used it while I was prego to prevent stretch marks and it worked and I had had clients with scars that it helped to minimized, and I have even used it on my face after a facial to help calm down my skin.