Craniosacral Therapy for reducing Scar Tissue Pain
Posted by Michael on March 13, 2007
The body has the ability to heal itself after surgery. The body produces connective tissue, adhesions and collagen, to replace the damaged compromised tissue from the result of an incision to the skin. This natural phenomenon causes the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue replaces damaged cells at the site of the incision or injury. Skin scar tissue is different than deep fascial scar tissue. Skin scar tissue lacks in pigmentation and hair follicles. Deep scar tissue in the fascial layers of the body develops adhesions or spider like web threads to help the body heal and recover.
There can be a potential problem in the development of scar tissue. The problem lies when scar tissue and adhesions go unchecked over the years. The scar tissue and adhesions start attaching themselves to bones, arteries, veins, nerves, and organs. This phenomenon alone can cause dysfunction in the homeostasis of the body and possibly manifest into further complications in our body’s internal health as we age. In addition I have witnessed in my practice patient’s scar tissue developing over periods of time causing spinal curvature (scoliosis), rotated hips manifesting in sciatic pain and lower extremity discomfort, shoulder displacement causing rotator cuff problems, and cervical or neck problems manifesting in a variety of neck and headache pain. Scar tissue can and will cause loss of range of motion making simple job and home activities difficult to perform. In addition there have been preliminary studies showing that manual therapies such as Craniosacral therapy can relive the discomforts and problematic symptoms in the Ureogential region after “C” section deliveries. One of the most profound areas of relief from scar tissue is a patient who has had open-heart surgery. I myself have recovered from open-heart surgery. I receive scar and adhesion therapy once a month for the last 10 years. My primary care doctor concurs that the manual therapy I receive keeps my body anatomically correct, allows my body full range of motion without pain and discomfort in the soft tissue.
Over many years in my practice I have found that Craniosacral therapy has had a profound positive effect on relieving the discomfort of scar tissue formed in the body. In addition Craniosacral therapy has afforded my patients/clients increased range of motion, the reduction of adhesions and pain in the sub acute stage after a surgical procedure.
Frances said
Hi Michael,
I had ovarian cysts removed from both ovaries in 2005, and in Feb 2007 had a total hysterectomy. Since my first surgery I have felt pain in my lower left side, which I thought was endometriosis, but I continued to have it after the hysterectomy. The surgeon removed my uterus and left ovary from my lower left colon.
It feels like scar tissue because it hurts primarily when food is passing through the bowel. What do you recommend? Do you know anyone in Maui, Hawaii who can work with me?
I really dread this and want to avoid further surgery! Thank you!
Mrs N Pietersen said
Hi
I want to enquire about scare tissue growth to the colon, the bladder after surgery,I have to endure alot of pain and inflamation of the bladder – what can I do my gyn. has surggested anti-inflamatory treatment what do you recommend, I have had surgery twice to correct and elivate the pain but dont wantr to go this route again what do you recommend – I cant remain on antibiotics all the time as this weakens my system.
PLEASE HELP.
Angela said
Information forwarded from Michael:
Frances,
I have worked on many people in the past with your similar symptoms. It is my policy to always tell clients to check with their doctor first. Surgery in my opinion should be the last resort after one has exausted all other avenues. Go on line to AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) and click on find a therapist in your area. Look for an individual who practices Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy. I would interview as many therapists until you find one that resonates with you. If you would like help you can always email me back and we can discuss what you have found. Good Luck!
Live Well!
Michael
Angela said
(information dictated from Michael)
Mrs. Pietersen,
Thank you for your questions. I am sorry that you have symptoms and pain after your surgeries. Inflammation is one way the body tells you that something is not right. Although inflammation can be disruptive to your body, it may be that your body is disappating toxins and attempting to reach homeostasis or balance. The body has an incredible inert quality to help disappate areas of confusion.
If you have scar tissue from your previous surgeries, it is very possible that a local craniosacral / myofascial therapist could help you relieve symptoms. I would look for referrals or certified therapists in your area. As always, it is a good practice to coordinate any treatment with your physician. Unfortunately, surgery is sometimes prescribed to reduce scar tissue, however it also presents the potential for additioinal scar tissue as a result. It is important to fully discuss the risks and benefits before making such a decision.
Live well,
Michael
Eli Rector said
I have suffered from chronic neck pain since 1989, when a surfing accident caused a 1″ deep scar in my cervical region. I have tried just about every therapy out there, from physical to rolphing, chiropractic to cranial sacral.
I believe that scar tissue build-up is the main source of my discomfort.
The research on cranio-sacral therapy is extremely dicouraging. This study here: () basically demonstrates that practitioners, believing they are somehow manipulating the body’s “rhythms”, are full of BS. They may believe it themselves, but they are deluded.
There is no science behind the idea that these subtle movements of the bones can put the body into “harmony”. There is evidence that spinal manipulation may have some benefits, but this has nothing to do with “rhythms”. Scar tissue is a physical substance, which most likely will only be affected by simple stretching or massage.
I’ve written all this because of the frustration I’ve felt over the years with “alternative” medicine. It has costed me hundreds of dollars and never once been able to explain the exact process by which it’s supposed “healing” takes place. Imo much of it is new aged, faith-based hocus-pocus. The inventor of CST, Dr. Sutherland
Physical, chronic pain is emotionally traumatic. When you offer people false hopes based on unscientific, anecdotal evidence, you run the risk of compounding their already fragile sense of emotional well-being and confidence.
All medicine is not equal. The body is an incredibly complex organism, which people spend years and years studying decades upon decades of research, usually only in very specific areas. So at the very least, when faced with the desperation of seemingly intractable illness, the number one concern ought to be practical realism and honesty, not misguided false confidence.
Angela said
Eli,
We are so sorry that you have not been able to find relief. The emotional and physical tole this must have taken on your life show the apparent pain in your post. We are so sorry to hear that you have not had good experiences with alternative modalities and wish you the very best.
Eli brings up an excellent point that the body is an incredibly complex ogranism, with more and more research being done in the areas of alternative medicine. Some research is showing incredible results and some is showing little or no results. In our own research and decades of studying and practicing we have fortunately been blessed with many individuals who have responded very well to craniosacral therapy, myofascial therapy, structural rehabilitation and massage. Of course different modalities and therapists work resonate with different clients and We have had some clients who have chosen other methods of treatment and we wish them all well.
Whatever your situation, it is always important to follow your own intuition and find a therapy and therapist that resonates with you. In our years of practice we have found that the more a client is able to tune into their own bodies and identify the best modality of treatment for themselves, the more profound the results. Dr. Bernie Seigal, a gifted onocologist talks about this resonance of treatment in his wonderful book, Love, Medicine and Miracles – in fact he uses test to help clients identify therapies that resonate for best results in cancer treatment. For some clients craniosacral therapy is what resonates, for others it may be western medicine and medications, for others it may be stretching and myofascial, or acupuncture, or massage. We wish you well in finding what resonates with you and following your guidance and finding a good and ethical practitioner in whatever area you choose.
Many Blessings,
*Angela
Ellen said
I had mesh to reconstruct my vaginal and rectum walls ,I went in for a surgery june 2006 ,had a blood clot 3 months later was back in the hospital 41/2 months later the mesh and scar tissue feels like a concrete wall and feels like it is destroyiny my rectum I have not been able to sit on my butt since my first surgery it’s very painful and my butt bones are affected I have lots of swelling april 2007 I had a hole open up just pass my rectum and then in may I was in the hospital for my heart I believe this is do to anxiety I am now going to a doc and getting trigger injections I will be having the mesh removed in august I am truly scared they will possibily have to dislocate my colon to get the mesh out can you give me some input I have had nothing but complactions since I had mesh put in my body would not heal the first 4 months after my 1st surgery etc is someone at fault for this is it the product or the procedure I had I’m not sure if I should take steps because of my health and all the problems I have had it has beem 1 year and 1 month please help me
Angela said
Ellen,
I am so sorry to hear of your pain and struggles. From your descriptions, it sounds like you are not getting the answers and support that you would like from your current team. If that were the case for me I would look for a reputable doctor for a second opinion.
I wish you the very best in finding a team that resonates with you and that can help you through this very challenging process.
Blessings,
*Angela
Miriam said
Hi,
I have a 12 year old daughter that had open heart surgery when she was two. When she was going through her growing pains (9-10 yrs old) she would get some scar tissue pain around her scar on her chest but it wouldn’t last very long and was usually minor pain with some cramping. Now that she is twelve she has started to feel this pain again but it is more persistant and can last for hours. She never received any of the therapy you talk about in the article, nor were we ever told it was available. Would this be something I could now pursue for her and how much would it help? She is so young that I worry about her having chronic pain when she is older, something we can try and prevent now. Your feedback is appreciated. Thank You
Ellen said
Angela, I know you might not want to answer this question but if this were you would you seek a lawyer for malpractice I just feel someone is at fault for all my pain and suffering also my job I took a year off and had to go back to keep my medical benifits even though I am in pain and not healthy I could not walk right for 9 months I am better on my feet than my butt although I swell every day and have much discomfort I have never had a law suit but I feel I was a ginny pig for this procedure I was told it was a year and a half new when I had my first operation and the Doc I am seeing said it is a year and a half new now what is your thought thank you Ellen
Angela said
Miriam,
Thank you for your note. Michael and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Our experience has been that scar tissue from a major surgery such as your daughters does indeed benefit from being kept supple. Stretching is our favorite way of keeping the lesions to a minimum and the scar tissue supple – for us this is through myofascial release. If we were in your shoes, we could look for a qualified myofascial and possibly craniosacral therapist in your area.
Many blessings to you and your daughter.
*Angela
Angela said
Ellen,
Again, my best wishes to you. You are asking questions that are far from my area of expertise. I can only recommend that you follow your own inner guidance in this process. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ellen said
thank you Ellen
Susann Fiske said
Dear Micheal,
After 3 pregnancies and years of neglecting my body. I finally took control of my health. Through diet and exercise I maintained the healthy body that I had always longed for. In March 2007 I found a small bump that turned out to be an inguinal hernia. It was repaired using mesh, 1 week later the mesh was removed. The hernia was then repaired the old fashion way. My surgeon said that he did not worry about my getting another hernia.
However, I am still in pain. I am told it is scar tissue. It is extremly bothersome since I have never had to deal with any pain other than child birth. I have since cut way back on my workouts because I just don’t feel right. My body is responding, and is not looking like I want it to look. I just want to feel normal again. It is weighing heavy on my self-esteem. Help!! Please!! Any suggestions are appreciated!!
Sincerely,
Susann
Marissa said
When I was 10 years old I had open heart surgery because the doctor found holes in my heart. They went in under my right breast and conducted the surgery. I have not had regular check ups since then, except for going to the doctors for various things. There has been a numb feeling behind my right armpit since the surgery.
I am 20 years old now and for the past year or two I have experienced on and off breast numbness and pain among other symptoms which I don’t believe are relevant to the scar tissue so I won’t mention them all here, but I do want to thank you for this article. I was researching scar tissue online because I have been experiencing heart palpitations when I lay down to sleep at night and I have inflamed lumps (chest area) where the wires/tubes would have gone in the surgery. I do believe that scar tissue therapy may be the answer for me and your article connected all of the dots.
I have had scoliosis/slight cyphosis since I was a child and I often feel the need to go to the chiropractor.
I am going to get an opinion from the doctor I am seeing now and the one I had when I was a child, but I would also appreciate your opinion on weather you think craniosacral therapy could be my answer.
Thankyou very much,
marissa
Amy said
Hi. I had my first c-section 6 1/2 yrs ago, and my second one was 2 1/2 years ago. I am 4 ft 11 and was lbs when I got pregment with my first chiticld, so it was a big shock to my Dr. when my 1st one got infected (he explained that there was no reason for it to occur, and I was given antibiotic – I loved my Dr., and he watched me carefully and as a result no further surgery was required after the infection 6 1/2 years ago). My problem is I work out, and eat right, however I can not get rid of the c-section hump of I guess scar tissue. I also have lower back pain that is not chronic, but a pain. I also have mild scoliosis (s/p ?). Do you have any thoughts, suggestions for me? I appreciate your time.
Thanks,
Amy
Laura said
Hello! This is an amazing site. I had heart surgery in 2001 for a hole and extra membrane within my atria. Physical therapy after surgery was basically breathing into this little tube to keep my lungs inflating for a month after. Well, for the last several years, I have been developing symptoms and complications which I think (and am now confirming) are related to my surgery. These included trigger points along my spine behind my heart, pain and forward rotation of my left shoulder, neck pain, tightness around my left lung, a “shift” in my chest when I bend over, and increasing scoliosis and rotation within my posture. I spoke a lot with my dad, who is an MD, about whether it was possible for scar tissue to form outside the ribcage! It seemed unbelievable. After going to my practitioner, massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors with little success I am very excited to discover that gentle and consistent spinal manipulations coupled with massage and yoga are helping to break up that scar tissue, open up my lung, and allow my body to return to a more normal functioning posture. I am glad to learn that I should stick with this indefinitely in order to prevent or reduce further complications. It’s worth it! Laura
Mary said
I would like to add to this insightful
discussion if I may- quality Pregnancy Massage
Certification programs, which thousands of practitioners have taken, do
offer some very well-used and common techniques for reducing C-section
scar formation, appearance, and interior scar tissue.
Scar massage is used in rehab clinics, as well as some massage clinics.
Tissue alignment , along with additional natural therapeutics, some
of which are ‘after care” methods the client may employ at home,
are the approaches offered.
My personal experience with this approach – (C-section scar massage
reduction )
as a practitioner has brought about
amazing results – in one client, I could scarcely even locate her
scar when asked to check on it a year after the birth. These techniques
may also work very well with other types of external tissue scars.
One may search for a therapist who provides this service – use childbirth
communities in your local area, or search for local massage therapists.
beth said
I just wanted to say thanks for the info on cyofascial/craniosacral therapy. I have suffered from pain since my c-section 2 years but was told by my ob that its just scar tissue there’s nothing that can be done about it. I am happy to learn that there may be something that can help.