So here’s the thing about scar tissue pain – it’s sneaky. You thought your wound was healed, and you’d long ago gotten rid of whatever caused it and recovered. But then, months or years later, that same scar decides it’s not done messing with you. It feels like someone put a pin cushion beneath your skin. The pain doesn’t go away, it just sort of exists. And sometimes it exists so loudly that you can’t ignore it. So can scar tissue cause pain, why does it hurt, and what is scar tissue anyway? Let’s find out.
What Even Is Scar Tissue?
Scars are supposed to be signs of healing, right? Isn’t an old scar just dead skin? Well, not exactly.
Scar tissue forms as part of the body’s natural healing process. When your body suffers a major injury, whether it’s surgery, a serious cut, or a burn, it usually tries to heal itself as quickly as possible. So collagen fibers rush to the site of the injury to help heal the wound. The problem is that, unlike healthy tissue, in scar tissue they’re arranged in a chaotic, disorganized manner. This tissue becomes thick and stiff. Worse, the tissue develops adhesions—bands that stick together tissues that shouldn’t stick together in healthy tissue.
Here’s another thing- because scar tissue doesn’t have a good blood supply, it’s poorly nourished and more likely to become inflamed, stiff, or just uncomfortable.
Why Scar Tissue Hurts
Can scar tissue hurt? Absolutely. It’s practically designed to. And it hurts in a variety of ways:
Limited Motion and Stiffness
When scar tissue forms around muscles or joints, it can feel like you’re wearing a suit that’s two sizes too small. It tugs, pulls, and can severely limit your range of motion.
This is especially common if the scar is the result of surgery or an injury to connective tissue. And if you don’t address the issue, the tightness can get worse over time.
Nerve Pain and Tenderness
Sometimes nerves get pinched in or around scar tissue, which is as unpleasant as it sounds. This can cause ongoing pain, tenderness, or even neuropathy, basically when nerves are damaged or compressed and decide to throw a fit.
People often describe the sensation as sharp, burning, tingling, or even like needles poking at them. If you’ve ever experienced nerve pain from scar tissue, you know it’s no joke.
Inflammation and Poor Circulation
Because scar tissue doesn’t have the same blood supply as healthy tissue, the area can end up lacking proper circulation. And poor circulation usually means inflammation, which of course brings with it pain. Worse, poor blood flow can slow healing, making the pain seem to go on forever.
Does Scar Tissue Pain Go Away?
Unfortunately, not all scar tissue pain simply goes away. The scar may soften and become less noticeable over time, but without proper intervention it can remain stiff and problematic. Often, a scar may be barely visible on the surface, but beneath it, internal scar tissue — adhesions and fibrosis that have formed can continue to cause pain and discomfort if left untreated.
Pain That Comes Years Later
Sometimes, scar tissue pain can pop up years after your original injury or surgery. This is because scar tissue can continue to change and adapt over time. Those fibrosis and pesky adhesions can form long after everything seemed healed. And when they mess with nerves or restrict your natural movement, it can lead to some serious discomfort or even sharp, ongoing pain.
How to Get Rid of Scar Tissue Pain and Find Relief
There is good news. You can get rid of scar tissue and find relief. And it’s not just a “time heals all wounds” platitude, because apparently sometimes it doesn’t. The key is to find ways to work with your body, not against it.
If you’ve recently had surgery or an injury, don’t waste time. Preventing painful scarring starts with good wound care from the start. Keeping the wound clean, using the right ointments, and following your doctor’s instructions are critical. Treating scars as early as possible can help prevent that thick, uncomfortable tissue from building up.
Medical Treatments and Therapies
There are various medical treatments and therapies that can be used to treat scars. They are mainly aimed at improving appearance, which is certainly important, especially if the scars are in a visible place like the face. Here are some common treatments:
- Surgical correction or scar removal: Plastic surgeons can improve the appearance of scars with procedures such as excision or skin grafting. But remember that surgery can create new scars, so the benefits must outweigh the risks.
- Dermatological treatments: Laser therapy, dermabrasion, microneedling, and radiofrequency therapy can help, especially with scars from burns, cuts, or acne. It often takes several sessions to see real improvement.
- Injections: Steroid injections can reduce inflammation in raised scars, while Botox injections can relax muscles and relieve pain (though they do not change the appearance of the scar).
At-home Scar Tissue Treatment
There are things you can do at home to help, too. For example, topical treatments such as Vitamin C serums can help fade discoloration and improve skin texture over time. When used consistently the silicone sheets or gels can help flatten and soften raised scars. If a newer scar feels itchy or irritated, over-the-counter antihistamine creams can offer some relief. Simple things like gentle stretching, massage, and specific exercises can keep the tissue flexible and help reduce pain.
Scar Tissue Massage Therapy—Your Secret Weapon
Scar tissue massage after surgery or injury can work wonders for relieving pain. It helps break up scar tissue, boosts circulation, and restores flexibility and mobility. If you’ve had surgery or a major injury, starting massage therapy as soon as the wound has healed can make a huge difference. And even if your scar is older, it’s never too late to find relief.
Bottom Line
Life happens.If you have a scar that’s bothering you from an injury, surgery, or burn, don’t despair. It can and should be treated. There are ways to break down scar tissue, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
And if you’re ready to finally show that stubborn scar tissue who’s boss, check out our scar tissue release massage treatment. It might just be what you need!
