Scar tissue is a natural part of the body’s healing process, but sometimes the tissue that forms after an injury or surgery can become thick, tight, or less flexible. When scar tissue restricts normal movement or affects surrounding muscles, tendons, and connective tissue, it may contribute to ongoing discomfort and stiffness.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses targeted acoustic waves to interact with soft tissues and may help support tissue remodeling, improve flexibility, and reduce discomfort associated with certain types of scarring and fibrosis.
At Springs Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, shockwave therapy may be considered as part of a personalized treatment plan for appropriate soft-tissue conditions. The goal is to help improve tissue mobility and function while addressing symptoms that may be associated with restricted or irritated tissue.
What Is Scar Tissue?
Scar tissue forms when the body repairs damaged tissue after an injury, surgery, or other trauma. As part of the healing process, the body produces collagen to help rebuild and strengthen the affected area.
This is a normal and necessary response. However, scar tissue is not always organized like the original tissue. Depending on the location and extent of the injury, it may become thicker, less flexible, or more restrictive than the surrounding tissue.
Scar tissue can develop in many areas of the body, including:
- Muscles and tendons
- Ligaments and connective tissue
- The skin and tissue beneath it
- Areas affected by previous surgery
- Soft tissues surrounding joints
In some cases, scar tissue causes no noticeable problems. In others, it may contribute to tenderness, tightness, restricted movement, or discomfort during everyday activities.
What Are Adhesions?
Adhesions are bands of fibrous connective tissue that can develop between tissues that are normally able to move independently. They may form after surgery, injury, inflammation, or tissue irritation.
For example, an adhesion may develop between layers of soft tissue, making it harder for those structures to glide smoothly against one another.
Depending on their location, adhesions may contribute to:
- Restricted movement or flexibility
- Tightness or pulling sensations
- Tenderness in a previously injured area
- Discomfort when stretching or moving
- Reduced mobility around a joint
- Limitations during exercise or daily activities
Adhesions can occur in different parts of the body, and not all adhesions cause symptoms. Internal abdominal or pelvic adhesions are different from superficial or musculoskeletal soft-tissue restrictions and may require specialized medical evaluation.
What Causes Scar Tissue and Soft-Tissue Adhesions?
Scar tissue and adhesions can develop whenever the body needs to repair or respond to damaged or irritated tissue.
Common contributing factors include:
- Previous surgery: Surgical procedures can cause scar tissue to form as the body heals. Some scars may extend into deeper layers of connective tissue.
- Muscle injuries: Strains and tears can lead to changes in the surrounding tissue as the injured area repairs itself.
- Tendon injuries: Chronic tendon irritation or injury may contribute to changes in the structure and organization of tendon tissue.
- Ligament injuries: Sprains and other ligament injuries can leave behind tissue changes that affect flexibility and movement.
- Repetitive stress: Repeated strain may contribute to ongoing tissue irritation and changes in the body’s normal repair response.
- Inflammation: Persistent inflammation can influence how tissue heals and remodels.
The location, severity, and history of the original injury all influence how scar tissue develops and whether it causes ongoing problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Restrictive Scar Tissue and Adhesions?
Not all scar tissue is painful or restrictive. However, when scar tissue or adhesions affect surrounding structures, symptoms may include:
- Tightness or stiffness in a previously injured area
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
- Tenderness when pressure is applied
- Pulling or tugging sensations during movement
- Discomfort when stretching or exercising
- Restricted movement around a joint
- A feeling that the tissue does not move as freely as it once did
Symptoms depend on the location and type of tissue involved. An evaluation can help determine whether scar tissue or another underlying condition may be contributing to the problem.
How Can Shockwave Therapy Help Scar Tissue and Adhesions?
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves to a targeted treatment area. These waves create mechanical stimulation within the treated tissue, which may influence cellular activity and the body’s tissue-remodeling processes.
This process, known as mechanotransduction, describes how cells respond to mechanical stimulation by changing certain biological activities.
For appropriate soft-tissue conditions, ESWT may help:
- Support tissue remodeling: Acoustic waves may influence how collagen and other components of connective tissue are organized during remodeling.
- Improve tissue flexibility: Research on certain types of pathological scarring suggests ESWT may help improve scar elasticity.
- Reduce discomfort: Shockwave therapy may help decrease pain associated with irritated or restricted soft tissues.
- Influence local circulation: Acoustic waves may affect blood flow and other local tissue responses.
- Support mobility: Reducing discomfort and improving tissue flexibility may make movement and stretching more comfortable.
It is important to understand that shockwave therapy does not physically cut, tear, or dissolve adhesions. Instead, it may influence the biological processes involved in tissue remodeling and help improve symptoms and function in selected cases.
Can Shockwave Therapy Break Down Old Scar Tissue?
Scar tissue changes over time as the body continues to remodel the injured area. Older scar tissue may become more established and less flexible, which can make some restrictions difficult to address.
ESWT has been studied as a treatment for certain types of established scarring, including hypertrophic scars and burn-related fibrosis. Some research has reported improvements in scar thickness, flexibility, pain, and other symptoms.
However, the results vary, and the research is still developing. There is not enough evidence to say that shockwave therapy can eliminate all old scar tissue or release every type of adhesion.
The potential benefit depends on the type of scar, its location, the surrounding tissues, and the symptoms it causes.
What Are the Benefits of ESWT for Scar Tissue and Adhesions?
For appropriate candidates, shockwave therapy may offer several potential benefits:
- Non-invasive treatment: Acoustic waves are delivered externally without incisions.
- Drug-free approach: Treatment does not require medication to deliver the acoustic waves.
- Targeted application: Treatment can focus on a specific area of soft-tissue restriction or discomfort.
- Potential improvement in flexibility: ESWT may help improve tissue elasticity in certain types of scarring.
- Support for functional movement: Reduced discomfort and improved mobility may make everyday activities more comfortable.
- Can complement other therapies: Shockwave therapy may be incorporated into a broader plan that includes movement, stretching, and rehabilitation.
Results vary depending on the underlying condition. ESWT is not a replacement for surgery or other specialized treatment when adhesions cause significant structural problems or internal organ complications.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?
During treatment, a handheld applicator is placed against the skin over the targeted area. The device delivers acoustic waves that may feel like tapping, pulsing, or vibrating sensations.
Some areas may be more sensitive than others, particularly if the tissue is tender or irritated. Treatment intensity can be adjusted based on your comfort and the area being treated.
Sessions are generally brief, although the length depends on the size and location of the treatment area. Mild temporary soreness or tenderness may occur afterward.
How Many Shockwave Therapy Sessions Are Needed?
The number of treatments depends on several factors, including:
- The location and size of the affected area
- How long the scar tissue or restriction has been present
- The type of tissue involved
- The severity of symptoms and movement limitations
- How the tissue responds to treatment
Some conditions may require a series of sessions rather than a single treatment. Your provider can recommend an appropriate schedule and monitor changes in comfort, flexibility, and function.
There is no universal treatment schedule for every type of scar tissue or adhesion.
Can Shockwave Therapy Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Yes. Shockwave therapy may be used alongside other conservative treatments to help address tissue mobility, discomfort, and movement restrictions.
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques may help address soft-tissue restrictions and improve comfortable movement.
- Massage therapy: Therapeutic massage may help manage muscle tension and surrounding soft-tissue discomfort.
- Stretching and mobility exercises: Targeted movements can help improve flexibility and maintain comfortable range of motion.
- Physical therapy: Progressive exercises can help restore strength, movement, and functional ability.
- Chiropractic care: Appropriate treatment may help address related joint restrictions and musculoskeletal discomfort.
- Class IV laser therapy: Laser therapy may be considered as another non-invasive option for managing musculoskeletal pain.
Combining treatments can help address more than one factor contributing to discomfort or restricted movement. The right approach depends on the type and location of the tissue involved.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for My Scar Tissue or Adhesions?
Shockwave therapy may be worth considering if you have persistent soft-tissue tightness, discomfort, or movement restrictions associated with certain types of scarring or fibrosis.
However, not every scar or adhesion is appropriate for ESWT. The treatment approach depends on the underlying condition, the tissue involved, and whether the area has healed sufficiently.
An evaluation is especially important if you have recently undergone surgery, have an unhealed wound, or experience unexplained swelling, worsening pain, or significant movement limitations. Internal abdominal and pelvic adhesions may require evaluation by a physician or specialist rather than treatment as a superficial soft-tissue problem.
At Springs Chiropractic, we can help assess your symptoms and determine whether shockwave therapy may be an appropriate part of your care plan.
Explore Shockwave Therapy for Scar Tissue and Adhesions in Colorado Springs
Scar tissue and soft-tissue restrictions can sometimes make movement uncomfortable long after an injury or procedure has healed. If tightness, tenderness, or limited mobility is affecting your daily activities, shockwave therapy may be one option to explore.
Contact Springs Chiropractic in Colorado Springs to learn more about ESWT and find out whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for your scar tissue or soft-tissue concerns.