By Jo Rayl, LMT
Let’s talk about scar tissue.
Not the kind you barely notice—the tiny white line from a childhood scrape. I’m talking about the deeper stuff: the post-surgery tightness that won’t let go, the old injury you thought was long gone but still flares up when it rains or you sleep the wrong way. The kind of scar tissue that doesn’t just stay in one place—it starts affecting how you move, how you sit, even how you feel in your own body.
I've been working with bodies for over 20 years, and one thing I can say for sure: scar tissue is often overlooked, but it has a way of causing big problems when left unchecked.
So What *Is* Scar Tissue, Really?
When your body goes through trauma—whether that’s surgery, injury, burns, or repetitive strain—it does what it needs to do to heal. It lays down collagen to “patch the hole,” so to speak. But the tissue that forms is usually denser, less organized, and not as elastic as what was there before. It’s nature’s quick fix—not always pretty, and definitely not always functional.
That patch can bind to muscles, nerves, fascia, and organs, creating adhesions that pull on surrounding areas. Think of it like trying to move freely while wearing a jacket that’s been sewn to your shirt and jeans. Every movement pulls somewhere else.
Side Effects I See All the Time
Here’s what clients often come in with—sometimes not even realizing it’s related to an old scar:
· Limited mobility. Can’t lift your arm like you used to? Can’t twist or bend easily? Scar tissue could be the silent culprit.
· Chronic pain or numbness. Nerve entrapment can happen when tissue builds up too densely around sensitive areas.
· Weird postural shifts. Your body will compensate for restrictions. That C-section scar can affect your low back, hips, and even shoulders.
· Tightness that just won’t let go. No amount of stretching fixes it because the fascia is stuck.
· Emotional weight. Especially when the scar came from trauma, surgery, or loss—our bodies store those memories.
How Massage Helps (And Why It’s Not Just a “Rub Down”)
Massage can do wonders for scar tissue, especially when it’s done intentionally and over time. I use a combination of techniques depending on what your body needs:
· Myofascial release to gently soften the stuck layers of tissue.
· Cross-fiber friction to help realign collagen fibers in old scars.
· Trigger point therapy when muscles are guarding or overcompensating.
· Lymphatic drainage to move out stagnation and support healing.
· And sometimes, when needed, I bring in energy work like Healing Touch to clear emotional residue stuck in the scar.
I’ve had clients cry on the table—not from pain, but because the body finally let go of something it had been holding for years.
If You’re Wondering, “Is This Me?”—It Might Be
If you’ve got a scar—external or internal—that still bothers you in subtle or not-so-subtle ways, your body might be asking for help. Scar tissue can be softened. The story it holds doesn’t have to define how you move or feel for the rest of your life.
Massage won’t erase the scar, but it can help integrate it—so you’re not fighting it anymore.
Want to talk about it? You can always reach out. I’m here to help your body tell a new story—one that feels a whole lot better.
Warmly,
Jo Rayl, LMT
About the Author:
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Jo Rayl is a seasoned Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and Usui Reiki Master Teacher (RMT) with over 20 years of experience in holistic and therapeutic massage. A graduate of Irene's Myomassology Institute and trained by the Colorado Center for Healing Touch and the Upledger Institute, she offers an array of healing techniques including Swedish Massage, Carpal Tunnel Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Reflexology. Jo specializes in deep, targeted work for chronic pain management, particularly in areas such as the glutes, shoulders, and neck. Her integrative approach to therapy is informed by her belief in the importance of maintaining personal health as a gift to the world. Jo is available for appointments focusing on individualized care to promote wellness and alleviate discomfort. Book Now |