"Did you know that scars can come from other sources than surgery? Piercings, tattoos, injections, burns, epidurals and even micro-needling procedures also create scars! Any type of skin trauma creates scarring as the healing occurs, whether or not it visible to the naked eye. With this understanding, it is difficult to imagine how many people are affected every day from skin trauma. Many people are unaware how scars affect more than just skin. They alter the function of the body, brain and nervous system as well."
Does scar age matter?
Older and newer scars both affect motor control over time. Simply, motor control is how your brain moves you. Motor control is a very complex process in the cerebellum. Sensory information is the driver of motor control. Your brain gets information from your skin about temperature, touch, pressure and mobility. Scar tissue and skin trauma causes the connective tissue to adhere down. Over time, all these compensations can lead to acute or chronic pain. Movement problems may happen because muscles get injured from overuse. The brain may overuse some muscles because it does not connect well with other muscles.
Should I work on my skin trauma and scars?
I highly recommend working on skin and scar mobility after the skin trauma has healed. This may help prevent future movement and pain issues. The sensory input will be optimized for better motor control in the future. Don't worry if your scars or skin trauma are old. I work with many people whose scars are years or decades old. They respond beautifully to treatment. Often, my patients are able to move better with less pain after scar treatment. Simple treatment options are available to improve the way your skin moves. This will decrease the negative effects of scars to your body and nervous system.
Excerpt from Scars: More Than Skin Deep by Dr. Jennifer Melancon, PT, DPT
Read more here: https://www.amazon.com/Scars-More-Physical-Affect-Brain/dp/1649708491
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