The Hidden Impact of Scar Tissue

8 Sept

Written By Uschi

Have you ever felt like your body was holding on to tension you just couldn’t let go of? That deep, stuck feeling that doesn’t shift with stretching or regular massage?

This is often where Myofascial Release (MFR) can help.

The fascia is a web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve in the body. When fascia becomes tight — from injury, surgery, stress, or even poor posture — it can restrict movement, create pain, and compress nerves and blood vessels.

Scars tell their own story

In my work with women, I often see how even small scars can have a surprisingly big impact. Only recently, a client came to me with lower back pain on one side. Knowing she had undergone abdominal keyhole surgery a couple of months earlier, I asked her permission to gently work with the scar areas.

As we worked, the fascia around the scars began to soften, and her back pain gradually released.

Scar tissue can hold tension long after surgery or injury, often affecting areas of the body you might not immediately connect to the original scar.

Common scars that may benefit from MFR

Some of the more common ones include:

C-section scars
Mastectomy scars
Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery scars
Appendectomy scars
Gallbladder or hernia repair scars
Scars from accidents or falls
Burn scars

Even if they are from years ago, these scars may still be affecting your body in ways you don’t expect. Gentle myofascial work can help restore ease and flow.

Scars and the fascia

Many women are surprised to learn that their old scars might impact on how their body feels today. Even scars that look small on the surface can create deeper restrictions in the fascia, sometimes showing up as pain, stiffness, or imbalance in areas far from the original scar.

How Myofascial Release helps

MFR works by applying gentle, sustained pressure that allows the fascia to soften and unwind.

With scar tissue, this means creating space and mobility where things have become stuck or bound down.

As circulation returns and the tissues free up, women often notice:

Relief from pain or stiffness in unexpected places
Improved posture and ease of movement
A release of long-held emotional tension
A greater sense of lightness and flow in their body

A gentle approach is essential

Scar tissue responds best to patience. Rather than trying to force or stretch, MFR allows the body to guide the process.

This way, the release is safe, restorative, and lasting.

If you have scars — even from years ago — they may still be playing a bigger role in your body’s tension than you realise.
Working with them gently can bring profound shifts, helping your whole system find balance again.