For individuals having difficulty moving or functioning normally due to injury, surgery, or illness, can a chiropractic and physical therapy team help expedite recovery?
Table of Contents
Individuals may develop scar tissue or tissue adhesions that limit normal motion after injury or surgery. A pain management team may use various treatments and modalities and may incorporate friction massage as part of a rehabilitation treatment plan. Friction massage, also known as transverse friction or cross friction massage, is a technique used to help improve scar tissue and adhesion mobility to move better and decrease the negative effects. The therapist uses their fingers to massage the scar in a direction that is at right angles to the scar line. It is a specialized technique that breaks up tissue adhesions that are limiting normal movement in the skin and underlying tissues. (Haris Begovic, et al., 2016)
For individuals who require surgery due to an injury or an orthopedic condition, their doctor will cut into the skin, tendons, and muscle tissue during the operation. Once sutured and healing has begun, scar tissue forms. Healthy tissue is made up of collagen that is comprised of cells that are arranged in a regular pattern. Healthy collagen is strong and can resist forces when tissues are pulled and stretched. (Paula Chaves, et al., 2017)
During the healing process after an injury, the collagen cells are laid down in a haphazard pattern and form scar tissue. The random accumulation of cells becomes tight and does not react well to tension and stretching forces. (Qing Chun, et al., 2016) The body can form scar tissue after a soft tissue injury, like a muscle or tendon strain. (Qing Chun, et al., 2016)
If a muscle or tendon gets strained the body will generate new collagen during the healing. The new collagen is laid down in a random fashion, and scar tissue or tissue adhesions can form that can limit the normal range of motion. Healthy tissue stretches and glides as the body moves. Scar tissue is rigid. At the site of the scar tissue, there can be some movement, but it is tight, less pliable, and can be painful. If scar tissue or adhesions are limiting motion, cross-friction massage can improve tissue gliding and sliding. This process is referred to as remodeling.
The objectives and goals of friction massage to adhesions or scar tissue may include:
Friction massage treatment follows a specific technique: (Paula Chaves, et al., 2017)
There are situations where friction massage should not be used and can include: (Paula Chaves, et al., 2017)
The therapist will explain the procedure and inform of the goals and risks associated with it.
Diagnoses that can be treated with friction massage can include: (Paula Chaves, et al., 2017)
Friction massage is a popular technique used in physical therapy, but some research suggests it is not any more effective than other rehabilitation techniques. One study found that static stretches and exercises were more effective than massage in improving tissue length and strength in uninjured soccer players.Β Other studies have supported this, but individuals may find that the massage helps improve injured tissuesβ movement as well. (Mohammed Ali Fakhro, et al. 2020)
The main goal of any treatment in physical therapy is to help the individual regain movement and flexibility. Friction massage, combined with targeted stretches and exercises, can help individuals expedite recovery and get back to normal.
Begovic, H., Zhou, G. Q., Schuster, S., & Zheng, Y. P. (2016). The neuromotor effects of transverse friction massage. Manual therapy, 26, 70β76. doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2016.07.007
Chaves, P., SimΓ΅es, D., PaΓ§o, M., Pinho, F., Duarte, J. A., & Ribeiro, F. (2017). Cyriaxβs deep friction massage application parameters: Evidence from a cross-sectional study with physiotherapists. Musculoskeletal science & practice, 32, 92β97. doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2017.09.005
Chun, Q., ZhiYong, W., Fei, S., & XiQiao, W. (2016). Dynamic biological changes in fibroblasts during hypertrophic scar formation and regression. International wound journal, 13(2), 257β262. doi.org/10.1111/iwj.12283
Fakhro, M. A., Chahine, H., Srour, H., & Hijazi, K. (2020). Effect of deep transverse friction massage vs stretching on football playersβ performance. World journal of orthopedics, 11(1), 47β56. doi.org/10.5312/wjo.v11.i1.47
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The information herein on "Friction Massage: How To Improve Scar Tissue Mobility" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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