What are scars?

As part of the body’s attempt to repair the damaged structures, a scar develops. Below the skin’s surface, there lies scar tissue.

Bands of internal scar tissue called scar adhesions grow after an injury. Under the skin’s surface, these adhesions attach to deeper structures like tendons, fascia, and nerves. Movement limitations or unexplained pain may be experienced as a result of scar adhesions connecting normally independent layers of structures.

Occupational Therapy and Different Types of Scars

1. Post-Surgical Scars: After surgery, many individuals are left with visible scars that can be a constant reminder of the procedure. OTs trained in The S.T.R.A.I.T Method™ can help to minimise the appearance of these scars, improving the patient’s quality of life and reducing self-consciousness.

2. Burn Scars: Burn scars can be particularly challenging to treat, and they can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and physical function. OTs trained in The S.T.R.A.I.T Method™ can help to reduce the appearance of burn scars and improve mobility and range of motion.

3. Diabetes-Related Scars: Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to scarring due to their reduced ability to heal wounds. OTs trained in The S.T.R.A.I.T Method™ can help to improve the appearance and function of scars resulting from diabetes-related complications, such as foot ulcers or amputations.

4. Cancer-Related Scars: Cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can often result in scars. OTs trained in The S.T.R.A.I.T Method™ can help to reduce the appearance of these scars, improving the patient’s quality of life and self-esteem.

5. Psychological Support: Scars can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. OTs trained in The S.T.R.A.I.T Method™ can provide psychological support to patients, helping them to cope with the emotional impact of their scars.

Scar tissue mobilisation 

A technique aimed at restoring the layers of structures to their original state, which can help improve movement restrictions and reduce pain caused by scar tissue. Scar tissue forms when the body heals from an injury or wound, and can lead to adhesions, which are bands of internal scar tissue that bind to deeper tissues, such as tendons, fascia, and nerves beneath the skin surface. These adhesions can cause movement restrictions and unexplained pain [3].

The myofascial system, which includes all of the body’s muscles and the connective tissue (or fascia) that surrounds them, is the primary target of soft tissue mobilisation techniques. Soft tissue mobilisation can reduce friction, improve a muscle’s ability to generate force, and provide input on different body movements or sensations to the brain [4].

Scar tissue formation occurs in four distinct phases, with the first phase being the inflammatory phase. This phase occurs immediately after trauma and is characterized by the release of inflammatory mediators and the formation of a fibrin clot, which stops bleeding and begins the process of tissue repair [9].

Scar tissue adhesions can occur with an injury or an acute inflammatory process, and collagen fiber formation during the tissue repair process allows adhesions and contractures to form in a random pattern. These adhesions within and between skin, muscles, tendons, groups of muscles, and joint capsules can reduce range of motion [5].

Scar revision is another procedure that can alter the appearance of a scar and improve its cosmetic appearance, restore function to a part of the body that may have been restricted by the scar, or improve an itchy scar. However, it is important to remember that scars cannot be completely removed [1].

The S.T.R.A.I.T Method™

Or, Scar Tissue Release and Integrated Therapies is an innovative and ground-breaking three-dimensional, fascial-release system that works to minimize scar tissue development and the subsequent physiological restrictions. It combines fascial-scar work – working with your damaged restricted connective tissues – with mind-body interactions, body mechanics, therapeutic stretching and strengthening, and proprioceptive support.