Oftentimes, the areas where scar tissue and adhesions have formed are considerably more painful than they were before surgery. Nerves can be entrapped within or between the adhesions and scar tissue causing painful inflammation, and the affected areas are prone to strain injuries due to lack of flexibility. Forming scar tissue fans out like a web binding and adhering to all layers of fascia to stabilize the weakened areas. I have found the most successful approach after removing any structural imbalance is to work the peripheral bound tissues first, and then towards the core of the scar tissue being careful not to overwork it. Sometimes it may take a few sessions of releasing several layers at a time in each session until being able to easily work into the core.

The scar tissue protocol includes a three-step approach:

First, strokes to release the fluids and toxins and relax the surrounding tissues to reduce the pressure on the scar tissue and adhesion and release some of the sensation in the area.

The second step is directed myofascial unwinding strokes that involve slow, constant, steady pressure that only move as the tissue releases. Due to the multi-directional aspect of scar tissue and adhesions, these strokes are applied in any direction that adhesions can be felt. Sometimes the stroke directions may cover as many directions as the lines found in an asterisk.

The third step is applying specific individual fiber strokes. These strokes are very slow and only move with the release of tissue, usually moving along the fibers since the directed myofascial unwinding strokes have already spread the fibers apart.

Patience is required with these strokes being careful not to apply too much specific pressure on scar tissue and cause tearing which results in the reformation of scar tissue. I find it is best to do less rather than more in the first couple of sessions. It’s like peeling an onion—we take several layers off in each session until there are no layers blocking the core. Sometimes even with the best techniques there will be a reformation of adhesion in the fascia after we have released it. When this happens we will need to come back to this area weekly to release this tissue before it becomes hardened and more extensive. Usually, a point will be reached where the body will quit forming adhesions.

- Don McCann, MA, LMT, LMHC, founder Structural Energetic Therapy