Adhesions (scar tissue) is a dead fibrotic tissue that forms mostly in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and joints.

Scar Tissue occurs as a result of injury, surgery or repetitive motion. When a muscle, tendon or ligament is torn (strained or sprained) or nerve is damaged, healing occurs in three stages called the inflammatory response: acute inflammation, repair, and remodeling. In acute inflammation, redness, swelling, heat and pain occur. This phase lasts approximately 72 hours. After the inflammation recedes, repair begins. The damaged tissues heal with adhesions or scar tissue formation rather than the formation of brand new tissue.

When a muscle tightens up – through a repetitive motion such as typing, or after it has been injured – swelling occurs, and it restricts the oxygen supply to the muscles and connective tissues (hypoxia). The lack of oxygen also causes scar tissue to form.

That scar tissue can adhere to muscle fibers, preventing them from sliding back and forth properly. It can adhere to connective tissues, limiting the flexibility of a muscle or joint. And it can adhere to nerve cells, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back pain, and other conditions.

Scar tissue can bind up many layers of muscle and connective tissue, causing varying degrees of limited movement and pain.

Research has proven scar tissue to be weaker, less elastic, more prone to future re-injury and as much as 1000 times more pain sensitive than normal, healthy tissue. Chronic pain is the result, pain that could remain for years after the initial injury.

To avoid the formation of adhesive scar tissue after an injury, surgery, or excessive muscle’s overuse, healing must take place in the presence of a full range of movement.

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Dr. Kintaro Oku can be reached at (702) 737-0022.

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