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Healing Beyond the Surface: How Therapy Transforms Painful Scars

Healing Beyond the Surface: How Therapy Transforms Painful Scars

by Zachary Vandenberg, DPTLeave a Comment

Scars aren’t just skin deep; they can carry physical discomfort and emotional weight. But here’s the good news – physical and occupational therapy can work wonders in managing scars from both surgery and other injuries, addressing both the visible and invisible aspects of healing. Let’s dive into how therapy can make a real difference for those dealing with painful scars.

Scar Massage

Have you ever had a massage that felt like it melted away your stress? Scar massage works in a similarly. By gently manipulating scar tissue, therapists help it become softer and more flexible. This not only improves how it looks but also how it feels. Plus, the increased blood flow from massage helps speed up healing.

Nerve Desensitization

Painful scars can make even the lightest touch feel like a jolt. That’s where nerve desensitization comes in. Through gentle exposure to different sensations, therapists help calm those overactive nerves and restore normal sensation. It’s like giving your nerves a chance to catch their breath.

Cupping Therapy

You might have seen those circular marks left behind by cupping therapy on athletes and celebrities. It turns out that cupping therapy is not just a trend—it can be a game-changer for scar management. Cupping therapy promotes circulation and helps release tight fascia, making scars more comfortable and mobile.

Dry Needling

Imagine tiny needles targeting those stubborn knots in your scar tissue. That’s dry needling for you. Dry needling offers quick relief from scar-related pain and stiffness by releasing tension and calming nerve endings. Plus, it’s a natural mood booster thanks to those feel-good endorphins.

Transform Your Scars

When it comes to scars, physical and occupational therapy offers a holistic approach that goes beyond skin deep. With techniques like scar massage, nerve desensitization, cupping therapy, and dry needling, therapists help you reclaim control over your body and life. Ready to say goodbye to scar pain? Schedule a free assessment with a therapist today and take the first step toward healing.

Schedule a Free Assessment

*Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VHA and other federally funded plans are not eligible for free assessments.

The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.

Zachary Vandenberg has been a physical therapist for over 7 years with a broad range of experience treating orthopedic, vestibular, neuro, and chronic pain populations. He graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee WI and is now a clinic manager in Northeast WI. In his free time he enjoys biking, live music, and working in the yard.

Read more health resources related to these topics:

Dry NeedlingPhysical Therapyhealing scar tissuescar tissue

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