How do I manage pain from scar tissue?

Scar tissue is composed of dense, highly extensible, collagen-based connective tissue that is medically known as fibrotic tissue and can be present for a variety of reasons, including injury, surgery, trauma, or repetitive motion. If the nerves detect this fibrous matter, then a person can experience a wide range of pain associated with the condition. Although there is no sure way to eliminate pain from scar tissue, there are a number of procedures and actions that a person can take to reduce the degree of pain for them. Ways to control this pain include pain relievers, cortisone injections, surgery, massage therapy, and acupuncture. It is best for someone who has scar tissue pain to consult with a healthcare professional on this matter before adopting a pain management plan.

The origin of what is commonly known as scar tissue is the overproduction of collagen and other materials during the healing process. When a joint, ligament, muscle, or other body part is traumatized by overuse, injury, or surgery, the body triggers a multitude of physiological processes designed to heal. Often this healing process can be miscalibrated, resulting in excess scar tissue. This scar tissue could affect the movement of surrounding body parts, causing pain, as well as connect to the nervous system itself, making the problem worse. This process is complex and circumstantial, so the degree and duration of pain from scar tissue are known to vary widely.

As is the case with many chronic pain conditions, scar tissue pain management is not a perfect science. However, the options available to patients have continued to increase. Analgesics, or pain relievers, are commonly used in the treatment of chronic pain for a large number of medical conditions. They usually come in pill form and can be purchased over the counter or by prescription. Many of these medications exist with different strengths and side effects, so it is important that a person seek a medical opinion before committing to such treatment.

Surgery is also an option for people who experience pain from scar tissue. The most common surgery performed removes much of the undesirable tissue to relieve tension. This procedure is often case specific and may not be possible for certain locations of scar tissue.

Massage therapy in the treatment of chronic pain from scar tissue uses physical pressure to actively drain the tissue of fluids, leaving behind a softer, more supple tissue. Acupuncture is an ancient alternative medicine procedure that involves the insertion and manipulation of small sharp objects, usually needles, as a method of altering the activity of the nervous system. This practice can help reduce pain. A cortisone injection might also be used as a short-term treatment, four to six weeks, for the inflammation and pain associated with scar tissue.

Go up