MSTR* SCAR TISSUE THERAPY
To soften the scar and create movement
Scar therapy works by breaking down the contracted, fibrotic collagen matrix that forms the scar. It is gentle, relaxing and non-invasive while giving permanent results in improving restrictive patterns, reducing pain, releasing emotions and softening the visual impact of the scar.
Other benefits include increased nerve function and blood and lymph flow, improved range of motion, more energy and a reduction in pain. It also boosts self-esteem as movement and visual aesthetics improve.
WHAT IS A SCAR?
Healthy tissues are damaged from a cut, significant injury or surgery. In the early stages it may not be painful as nerves around the scar may have been damaged along with some healthy body tissues.
Over time scar tissue can become painful as the nerve endings start to regenerate.
There are for stages of Scar formation:
1. Haemostasis Phase
Immediately after an injury/trauma blood vessels constrict to restrict the flow of blood, platelets stick together to seal off the wound and coagulation (clotting) starts to stop the bleeding from the tissues.
2. Inflammatory Phase
Immediately after the injury the injured blood vessels leak fluid causing localised swelling and within 24-48 hours there is a migration of macrophages & histiocytes that start removing damaged tissue, pathogens and bacteria from the area.
This process creates the swelling, heat, pain and redness commonly seen during this stage of wound healing.
Inflammation both controls bleeding and prevents infection.
3. Proliferation Phase
This is when the wound is rebuilt with new tissue made up of collagen and extracellular matrix. This tissue is disorganised and thick. A new network of blood vessels is constructed so that the granulation tissue can be healthy and receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients The wound starts to contract as new tissues are built. Healthy granulation tissue is pink or red and uneven in texture and it does not bleed easily.
In the final phase the area is resurfaced by the epithelial cells.
4. Maturation (Remodeling) Phase
This Is when the collagen is matured and the wound fully closes. The cells that had been used to repair the wound but which are no longer needed are removed by apoptosis, or programmed cell death.
During this phase collagen remodeled to allow the collagen fibres to lie closer together and cross-link. This cross-linking of collagen reduces the thickness of the scar and makes the skin area of the wound stronger. However even with the cross-linking this area will always be weaker than uninjured skin.
This phase begins about 21 days after an injury and can continue for a year or more.
The stages of wound healing are a complex and fragile process. Chronic wounds can form if the wound healing fails to progress through the stages. Factors that lead to chronic wounds are venous disease, infection, diabetes and metabolic deficiencies.
