Movement and Stretching Can Reduce Scar Tissue
Scaring is very common after surgery or radiation and is part of the body’s natural response to start the healing process. Scar tissue is made up of a protein called collagen and when the skins injured the process of healing starts immediately by forming a protective layer over the wound that prevents infection and provides structural support to the wounded area.
Scaring can be seen on the skin as well as form inside the body where cancerous cells and other tissue was removed. Most topical scaring fades in time and can be addressed by various noninvasive treatments. Daily movement and stretching will greatly reduce deep scaring caused by surgery and restore function to the affected area. Collagen goes through a process of remodeling and fills an area around a wound and supporting that process through joint mobility exercises and manual stretching will reduce internal scaring and help in regaining range of motion and strength.
It’s best to begin these therapies immediately after surgery but it’s never too late to start. The combination of exercise and manual stretching goes a long way to feeling better.
A mastectomy is when all breast tissue is surgically removed due to cancer or other related choices. Surgeons will often biopsy lymph nodes located closest to the cancer, in the underarm area for one undergoing a mastectomy, to test for cancer cells. If cancer spreads, the lymph nodes are the first place it goes. If the test proves positive then all surrounding lymph nodes will be removed. Once tubes and drains are removed it’s important to get clearance from the doctor and start a light exercise program that focuses on your arm, chest and shoulders. These exercises will help recover general movement to the affected surgical area and reduce scarring, which can affect range of motion. Exercise also ensures the lymph fluid continues to flow throughout the body by the pumping action that occurs during exercise and also reduces swelling due to node removal.
Having a mastectomy comes with an emotional aspect as well as the physical surgery and it’s very important to address the different emotions that each will present. Caring for yourself after your surgery is critical for healthy healing both physically and emotionally. Seeking out a practitioner to aid in the healing is always a positive and healthful part of the journey.