Physical Therapy can Help Reduce Scar Tissue After Cancer Care
Many times treatment for cancer includes surgery or radiation. These are wonderful tools because they often can save a life. However, they can leave after effects that can cause pain and other problems, including scar tissue.
Fortunately, our Lake Charles physical therapists can address scar tissue that results from cancer treatments to help reduce your pain, increase your range of motion, and get you back to your activities.
How can physical therapy help with scar tissue?
Physical therapy may not be your first thought when it comes to scar tissue relief, but there have been many proven benefits of it’s techniques.
In fact, as stated by BreastCancer.Org, “If scar tissue is causing stiffness, pressure or pain, ask your doctor if physical therapy could help.”
There are many different ways a physical therapist can help reduce your scar tissue so you can move more comfortably, including, but not limited to:
- Massaging the scar. Our Lake Charles physical therapists are highly experienced in performing targeted massage to affected areas. Massage can help decrease the sensitivity you feel in the scarred area and loosen up the deep scar tissue. You can also help do this on your own by massaging over-the-counter creams, such as Vaseline, onto the scar.
- Using different modes of massage. Deeper and more sensitive scars may be in need of a massage that includes different techniques. This may include adding different tools to our hands-on treatments, such as IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization). This will help desensitize the scar and reach the deeper tissues that are affected. With some severe scarring, this may take up to 4 months.
- Taping/wrapping the scar. Your physical therapist may recommend keeping the scar wrapped during its healing process in order to avoid additional strain to the affected area. In some cases, a special gel (such as silicone gel) may be used inside of the wrap, which can further reduce your swelling and tension.
- Using topical treatments. In some cases, your physical therapist may recommend applying a topical treatment to the affected area every day. This will help keep the scars safe from harmful environmental factors (such as sunlight or rough materials) and will enhance the healing process. In some more severe cases, your physical therapist may recommend injections or surgical correction for the scars.
Get started on a treatment plan today
No matter what type of scarring you may be experiencing from your post-cancer care, Partners in Physical Therapy can help.
Contact our Lake Charles physical therapy office today to get started on your path toward relief!
