Scar Tissue Treatment
Patients are often surprised to discover how a scar from a long-ago surgery has impeded function and caused pain somewhere else in the body. C-section scars, surgical scars, and scars from accidents (falling out of a tree at 5 years old) all form as a part of the body’s healing process. However, as the days, months, years and sometimes decades pass by, scar tissue adhesions, which extend well underneath the surface of the visible scar, can “latch on” to underlying muscle and fascial tissue and cause pain and limited mobility.
Many patients who seek me out for expert trigger point Dry Needling are surprised when I begin to discuss how a scar may be their root cause of dysfunction. It’s not uncommon for a patient to say “but that scar is 20 years old.” Whether the scar is one year old or 50 years old, treatment outcomes can be life changing and amazing.
Scar Tissue Treatment FAQ’s
Will the appearance of my scar change?
As a physical therapist, my practice act does not cover cosmetic treatments. That being said, as I work towards eliminating the scar tissue that has been causing pain and dysfunction, a common side effect is the appearance of the scar changes. I have treated deep red, angry looking scars in order to improve a patient’s function, and a secondary result has been an almost complete fading of the scar. Although my goals for scar tissue treatment are focused on functional improvement, for some patients, this change in scar appearance is even more important than the gains made in pain reduction.
How does dry needling scar treatment differ from trigger point dry needling?
Dry needling for scar tissue uses multiple thin filiform needles (similar to acupuncture needles) that are placed along the length of the scar. These thin needles are rotated, which increases tissue tension, resulting in the change of shape and breakdown of the scar tissue. The tissue begins to remodel as blood flow begins to return to the scarred area. The needles are left in place until tissue relaxation has been achieved. During this time we will most likely talk, laugh and tell stories of our pasts. The needles are then easily removed.
How does dry needling scar treatment work?
Dry needling into scar tissue stimulates collagen fiber formation, affecting appearance (many scars begin to fade with the first treatment), breaking up scar tissue and increasing blood flow, and ultimately tissue flexibility.
How many scar needling treatments are required?
Results of dry needling scar tissue treatment can typically occur after the first treatment, whether it be range of motion improvement, pain reduction and/or strength gains. The number of treatment varies, according to how much scar tissue we can remodel each session.
Is there research to support dry needling of scar tissue?
More evidence based research emerges each year. A recent 2022 study entitled “Efficacy of Dry Needling in Treating Scars following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report” determined that dry needling has a positive effect on the characteristics and appearance of scar tissue. Applying mechanical stress by inserting and rotating a needle into tissue adhesions could stimulate collagen fiber formation along the normal alignment and increase tissue flexibility.