Could your Chronic Pain be caused by Old Scars?
Chronic pain is often a complex and infuriating puzzle, and for many people, the cause of ongoing discomfort can be difficult to pinpoint. While back, neck, joint, or menstrual pain can seem like isolated issues, they may, in fact, be connected to something hidden beneath the surface—adhesions created by old scar tissue.
Understanding Scar Tissue and Adhesions
When we think of scars, we often imagine what we can see on the surface. However, scars also form within the body as part of the natural healing response after surgery, injury, or even certain infections. This internal scar tissue, called adhesions, doesn’t stop at healing the wound—it often extends like a spiderweb, attaching to surrounding healthy tissue and even organs.
Over time, these adhesions can tighten and pull on these tissues, causing chronic pain and discomfort in areas far from the original scar. Surprisingly, many people don’t even realise these adhesions might be the root cause of their pain.
Often people try multiple treatments, from medication to physical therapy, without finding relief, not realising that they are attempting to treat their symptoms and not the root cause – their scars.
Why Scar Tissue Often Gets Overlooked
Surgeries and other medical interventions are often necessary and can be life-saving. However, the long-term effects of scar tissue buildup are rarely discussed. Many people believe that once their skin heals, their body has fully recovered. Unfortunately, adhesions may develop years after the initial surgery, sometimes with symptoms that don’t seem connected to the scar at all.
In Acupuncture, scar tissue is studied as a potential factor in chronic pain, especially for patients who have had multiple surgeries or injuries. Over the years, we have seen firsthand how targeting these adhesions can make a profound difference in how a person feels.
How Acupuncture May Release Scar Tissue and Reduce Pain
Acupuncture, with its holistic approach, offers a unique way of addressing chronic pain caused by scar tissue. By focusing on areas where adhesions are likely causing restrictions, acupuncture may aid in releasing tension and restore the flow of energy and blood within the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the abdomen is often viewed as a key diagnostic area, providing insights into how different parts of the body are interconnected.
Using acupuncture to treat the areas around scars may:
- Reduce the tension caused by adhesions, helping release the pull on surrounding tissues and organs.
- Restore balance by encouraging circulation and the natural healing abilities of the body.
- Alleviate pain in seemingly unrelated areas by addressing the root cause instead of just the symptoms.
Over time, many patients who have experienced pain in their back, shoulders, or other areas unrelated to their scars report relief after addressing their adhesions with acupuncture.
The Healing Potential of the Body
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway is the body’s natural ability to heal itself when given the opportunity. Even for those who have endured years of pain, there is often hope for recovery if we look at the body as a whole. By identifying and releasing scar tissue adhesions, acupuncture may offer relief in a way that’s natural and effective.
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain and has a history of surgeries or injuries, consider the possibility of scar tissue as a hidden cause.
If Acupuncture is something you would like to explore to find relief and rediscovering a life with less pain, book an appointment with one of our qualified and certified Gold Coast Acupuncture Practitioners today.
Call 07 5571 0001 or make an online appointment via the button below.
*Every person and circumstance is unique. Please consult with your acupuncture practitioner for a personalised assessment and to discuss the best approach for your needs.