Exercise, specifically physical therapy, can't completely erase scars, but it can significantly improve their appearance and function.
While exercise can't make scars disappear entirely, targeted physical therapy can play a crucial role in scar management:
How Exercise Helps Scars
Physical therapy focuses on:
- Reducing scar tissue build-up: Movements and techniques help prevent excessive collagen accumulation.
- Breaking up existing scar tissue: Specific exercises and manual therapy can help to remodel and soften hardened scar tissue.
- Improving range of motion: Scars can restrict movement; exercises help regain flexibility.
- Increasing blood flow: Exercise boosts circulation, promoting healing and tissue regeneration.
Types of Exercises and Therapies
Various techniques might be used, depending on the scar's location, size, and characteristics:
- Stretching: Gentle stretches help to lengthen the scar tissue and improve flexibility.
- Massage: Manual massage techniques can break down adhesions and improve tissue mobility.
- Strengthening exercises: Building strength in the surrounding muscles can provide support and improve function.
- Range-of-motion exercises: These help to restore normal joint movement.
Example Scenario
Imagine someone who had surgery on their knee. The scar tissue could limit their ability to fully bend or straighten their leg. A physical therapist could design a program including:
- Warm-up exercises to increase blood flow.
- Gentle stretching of the scar tissue.
- Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Range-of-motion exercises to improve knee flexion and extension.
Based on the provided reference: "Additionally, physical therapy can help to reduce the risk of scar tissue build up and break up any scar tissue that is already there."
