Breast scars can impact the body in many ways, both physically and emotionally.
In the immediate post-operative period, scars may be painful or tender to touch. Motion in the chest, abdomen, or shoulders may be limited. Over time, these issues should improve. However, it takes intentional work to have optimal healing.
The brain stores trauma in scars. It remembers all of the things surrounding a trauma or surgery. Your brain remembers your emotional responses. Fear. Joy. Anger. Sadness. Pain. Helplessness. Excitement. Combination of emotions. Also, the brain remembers the surgical experience and hospital smells. It remembers the details of your recovery. Did you have adequate emotional and physical support? Did you process your emotions and feelings regarding the situation leading up to the surgery? What about the short-term and long-term after effects of the surgery?
Breast scars can often impact the brain-muscle connection between the core, shoulder, chest and back muscles. Incisions for ports, drains or surgical procedures change the sensory receptors in the skin. These receptors give the brain information about how to use muscles. Because of this, the brain uses muscles differently. For an information video, click here to learn more.
It is never too late to work on the mobility of a breast scar. There are times it is too early-make sure you have clearance from your surgeon and the scar is fully healed.
There are several resources available at www.thescarlady.com/resources to help you address the physical and emotional components of breast scars. The Scar Lady Journal: An Emotional Guide to Help Heal and Process After Surgery and Skin Trauma is an excellent place to start.
Scars: More Than Skin Deep and the Scar Taping video give you practical steps to help improve your scar tissue 24/7. Paperback copies of Scars: More Than Skin Deep are available by contacting Dr. Jen at jennifer@thescarlady.com. Kindle version available at http://www.amzn.to/2XC2SrA.