Scar Management & Remodeling

Gentle, evidence-informed care to reduce pain, improve motion, and soften scars

At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, our rehabilitation team provides scar management and remodeling to help reduce tightness, sensitivity, and movement restrictions after injury or surgery. Whether your scar followed an ankle sprain, joint replacement, breast/chest surgery, C-section, hysterectomy, hand/elbow surgery, or trauma, we tailor treatment to your goals so you can move more comfortably and return to daily life with confidence. Care is available in Washington and Odon, Indiana, serving Daviess County and surrounding Southern Indiana communities.

Why scars can limit motion

Scar tissue is part of the normal healing process. As new collagen forms, it can sometimes organize in dense, irregular patterns that feel tight, tender, or “stuck.” These adhesions may reduce tissue glide, limit range of motion, and even irritate nearby nerves. Without the right input—movement, gentle loading, and targeted soft-tissue work—scars may remain stiff and sensitive.

Scar “maturation” and remodeling happens over time. With the right plan, scars can become more mobile, more comfortable, and less noticeable.

Who may benefit

Consider a scar evaluation if you notice any of the following near your incision or injury site:

• Tightness, pulling, or “sticking” that limits motion
• Pain or tenderness to touch; lingering sensitivity or numbness
• Difficulty reaching, lifting, walking, or returning to activity
• Thickened or raised scar that feels firm and immobile
• Restricted glide around C-section or breast/chest scars
• Stiffness after orthopedic surgery (hip/knee replacement, hand/elbow) or fractures

How scar management & remodeling helps

Your therapist will design a plan based on your scar’s age, location, thickness, sensitivity, and your activity goals. Treatment may include:

• Soft-tissue mobilization & gentle stretch to improve tissue glide and flexibility
• Instrument-assisted techniques (e.g., Graston®, ASTYM®) when appropriate and consented
• Myofascial release and desensitization strategies to reduce tenderness
• Scar mobility training to restore motion around joints and nearby tissues
• Scar care guidance (e.g., silicone products, hydration, sun protection) when indicated
• Movement & exercise to load collagen gradually and support healthy remodeling
• Home plan with simple self-care techniques to maintain progress

Results are individual. Older scars often improve with consistent care, but complete removal isn’t always realistic. Our goal is better comfort, mobility, and appearance over time.

What we commonly treat

• Post-orthopedic surgery scars (hip/knee replacement; elbow/hand surgery)
• Breast/chest surgery scars (e.g., lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction)
• C-section and perineal scars; abdominal/pelvic procedures (e.g., hysterectomy)
• Scars after fractures, sprains, or other trauma

If your needs are pelvic- or postpartum-specific, see Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation and Prenatal & Postpartum Rehabilitation for coordinated care. For upper-extremity function, visit Certified Hand Therapy. When swelling is present, see Lymphedema Management.

What to expect

Evaluation

We review your history and goals, assess scar mobility, thickness, sensitivity, and the motion of nearby joints, and screen posture and movement.

Personalized plan

Together, we set clear goals and a visit schedule. Sessions are comfortable and consent-driven, with incremental progress that fits your routine.

Progress you can feel

We track changes in tissue mobility, pain/sensitivity, range of motion, and function, adjusting your plan as you improve.

FAQs

How long does scar remodeling take?
It varies by scar age, size, and location. Many people notice changes within a few visits, with continued improvements over weeks to months.

Is treatment painful?
Care is gentle and patient-paced. You may feel mild, short-lived soreness as tissues loosen; we adjust technique to your comfort.

Can you treat older scars?
Yes. Older scars can often become softer and more mobile with consistent care, even years later.

Will my scar disappear?
Complete removal isn’t typical. The goal is less tightness and sensitivity, better motion, and a smoother feel—often with a more flattering appearance.

Locations and scheduling

CORE Center | 421 E. Van Trees Street, Washington, IN
CORE Center at North Daviess | 800 S. West Street, Odon, IN

Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule a scar evaluation or ask about referral requirements.
We welcome patients from Washington, Odon, Jasper, Vincennes, Loogootee, Petersburg, Bloomfield, and nearby communities across Southern Indiana.