Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Scar Release Techniques

The collagen fibers called fascia in scar tissue can constrict muscles or even internal organs to cause pain, tingling or stiffness, according to the Myofascial Release Clinic. Therapists who perform scar release, also called myofascial release, employ several techniques to loosen fascia.


Basic Methods


Therapists employ a wide range of massage techniques to release scar tissue from muscles, nerves and organs. They may shake or rock the skin, use rolling or pulling motions, or stretch the skin over the scar tissue.


Trigger Points


Many incidents of physical or emotional trauma cause the body to react by tightening specific muscle fibers. Therapists focus on releasing the scar tissue in these precise trigger points while releasing the muscular tension in those points.


Specific Systems


Therapists use different manipulations for different body systems. Craniosacral myofascial release of the central nervous system, for instance, requires gentle manipulation of the cranial bones, while visceral manipulation gently releases scar tissue involving internal organs.


Ongoing Therapies


Once the therapists have released the scar tissue, they can teach patients to rebalance their muscular and nervous systems. Pilates exercises, for instance, help patients' bodies relearn normal muscular behaviors.

Tags: scar tissue, internal organs, myofascial release