Small Scar, Big Attitude: How Scar Tissue Disrupts Movement
So you recovered from an injury, that’sver wondered why you’re still not at full range of motion? The lack of movement may be due to built up scar tissue. Scar tissue doesn’t have to be big to be bossy.
Scar Tissue: The Breakdown
Scar tissue forms as part of normal healing, but scar tissue has reduced elasticity. Scar tissue also is know to transmit forces poorly and also alter fascial tension lines in the body.
Unlike healthy tissue, scar tissue doesn’t glide, it grips.
Why Old Scars Still Matter
Research shows scars can:
Restrict movement far from the injury site
Alter muscle activation patterns
Affect proprioception (joint position sense)
Change load distribution across joints
Know a mom who has had a C-section? A C-section scar may be influencing her low back pain.
What about injuring your ankle? An ankle scar can affect hip mechanics.
The body is interconnected; the effects of scars don’t stay local.
Your Chiropractor’s Role in Scar-Related Dysfunction
You don’t have to go through the pain alone. Chiropractors are trained to help with soft tissue issues.
Chiropractic care may include:
Soft tissue mobilization and Fascial Techniques
Use of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Modalities such as Graston/Scraping
Movement re-education
Joint restoration near affected regions
The goal isn’t cosmetic (even though that may be a bonus), it’s biomechanical freedom.
Bottom Line
Scar Tissue may be disrupting your ability to function. “Healed” doesn’t always mean “moving well.” See your friendly neighborhood chiropractors (us!) to help with your scar tissue issues!
References
Schleip R et al. Fascial plasticity and pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther.
Stecco C et al. Fascia and movement dysfunction. Clin Anat.
PubMed. Scar tissue biomechanics.