Targeted Scar Tissue Release for Mastectomy, Neck Dissection, Thoracotomy, Skin Cancer, and Radiation Scarring
Supporting Recovery After Cancer Surgery and Treatment
Whether you’ve undergone a mastectomy, thoracotomy, skin cancer removal, or radiation therapy, healing doesn’t stop once the procedure is over. Many people experience lingering discomfort, tightness, or restricted movement caused by scar tissue — even months or years later.
How Scar Tissue Affects the Body
Scar tissue is a natural part of healing. But unlike the surrounding tissue, scar fibers tend to be dense, inflexible, and disorganized. When they form adhesions, they can stick to muscles, fascia, or nerves and limit the natural slide and glide between layers of tissue. This can pull on surrounding muscles, restrict movement, and interfere with the body’s alignment and flexibility.
This can lead to:
- Pulling or restriction with movement
- Postural compensation
- Local inflammation or pain
- Reduced circulation and lymphatic flow
- Loss of sensory connection or numbness
Common Issues Related to Scar Tissue
You may notice:
- Tightness in the chest, shoulder, or ribs
- Reduced range of motion or stiffness
- Chronic pulling, itching, or burning
- Numbness or oversensitivity around the scar
- Discomfort when reaching, stretching, or exercising
Even small scars — such as those from skin cancer excisions or radiation tattoos — can have surprising effects on movement and comfort.
What Is Targeted Scar Tissue Release?
Targeted scar tissue release is a safe, hands-on technique designed to gently soften and mobilize scar tissue. It supports the body’s natural healing process and helps restore ease, comfort, and function.
Common Concerns We Work With
You may benefit from this work if you are experiencing:
- Tightness or pulling around surgical or radiation sites
- Pain or stiffness with movement, especially in the chest, back, or abdomen
- Numbness, tingling, or sensitivity near or under scars
- Postural changes or shoulder imbalance after breast or lung surgery
- Difficulty breathing deeply due to restricted chest or rib tissue
- A sense of physical or emotional disconnection from the area
Potential Benefits
- Softening of dense or raised scar tissue
- Increased circulation and hydration in the tissue
- Reduction in sensitivity or discomfort
- Greater ease of movement and flexibility
- Visible improvement in scar appearance
Especially Helpful For:
- Mastectomy and lumpectomy scars and associated limits to upper body or arm movement
- Thoracotomy or sternotomy scars (lung, cardiac, or esophageal procedures)
- Skin cancer removal scars (face, chest, or extremities)
- Radiation fibrosis and surrounding tissue stiffness
- Neck and throat cancer surgeries (radical neck dissections, tracheostomies, thyroidectomies, lymph node removal)
- Portacath and PICC line insertion sites
- Lymph node dissection scars
- Reconstructive surgery sites (DIEP flap, TRAM flap, donor graft areas)
Even older scars — including those from many years ago — can respond well to treatment.
Radiation Fibrosis and Scarring
Radiation can lead to tight, fibrotic areas that feel stiff, thickened, or less mobile. Targeted scar tissue release helps increase pliability in the tissue, improve circulation, and reduce the feeling of restriction — all without irritating sensitive skin.
Neck and Throat Cancer Scarring
Surgeries in the neck area can affect swallowing, shoulder mobility, voice, and lymphatic drainage. Targeted scar tissue release can help by:
- Softening scar tissue along incisions
- Improving neck rotation and shoulder function
- Reducing stiffness and pressure in the throat or jaw
- Supporting gentle tissue remodeling
Clients with a history of lymph node removal may require physician clearance. Certified lymphedema therapists are also available on staff when needed.
It’s never too late to address the lasting effects of scar tissue. Even small changes can make a big difference in your comfort and daily function.