How Massage Can Help with Scar Tissue & Post-Surgery Recovery

Scar tissue is just your body’s way of patching things up after an injury or surgery—kind of like nature’s built-in repair kit. When your skin or deeper tissues get hurt, your body jumps into action, producing collagen fibers to heal the area. The thing is, these fibers don’t always line up as neatly as your original tissue, which is why scars can sometimes feel tight, stiff, or even a little uncomfortable.

That’s where massage therapy comes in. We can help soften and break up that scar tissue with the proper techniques, improving flexibility and even how the scar looks. Specialized massage can make a huge difference in how your body feels and moves, whether you’re dealing with post-surgical scars or lingering tightness from an old injury.

Michele Lent at Balance Mind and Body Massage studio performing Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage on a post-surgery client

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD)

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage the removal of excess fluid from the body. This type of massage is ideal for reducing swelling after surgery, as it aids in the natural detoxification process by promoting lymph flow and decreasing inflammation. Learn more about Lymphatic Drainage Massage on our Blog.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Applying firm pressure and slow strokes helps break down adhesions and scar tissue that can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Regular deep tissue massage promotes improved flexibility and reduces the thickness of scar tissue. Learn why massage is critical to your post-surgery physical therapy and recovery here.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release focuses on relieving tension in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. This technique involves gentle, sustained pressure to stretch and loosen the fascia, which can become tight due to scar tissue. By addressing fascial restrictions, myofascial release enhances mobility and reduces pain associated with scars.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This suction increases blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing scar tissue formation. Cupping can also help loosen tight muscles and fascia, improving overall flexibility and reducing discomfort associated with scars. Learn how cupping has been used for a number of ailments for thousands of years here.

If you’re dealing with scar tissue after surgery, it’s worth visiting a massage therapist who knows their stuff when it comes to post-surgical care. Everyone heals differently, so a trained therapist can determine the best approach based on your surgery, how old the scar is, and how your body is responding. It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing—getting the right treatment plan makes all the difference.

Adding massage into your recovery routine can do more than help with healing—it can get you moving more freely, ease discomfort, and even improve the way your scar looks and feels. The goal isn’t just to recover but to feel comfortable and confident in your body again.