If I have a lot of pain already from scar tissue and adhesions, how can massage therapy help without excessive pain?

Question

I have had serious pain in my left calf for almost a year. Doctors thought it was sciatica, but now it appears to be from years of overuse associated with aerobics and spinning (admittedly some showing off!). I have three areas of very high sensitivity (pain from pressure) and several other lumps and knots in my calf muscles. I now believe my problem is scar tissue and adhesions built up over the years of overuse and inadequate stretching. From what I read, massage therapy can help, but I am scared of the pain from the pressure I think will be needed to break up the "bad" tissue. Can you give me any guidance for how to proceed and what to expect? Thank you very much.

Answer 1

I would suggest Myofascial Release for you, it is so effective in releasing restrictions, holding patterns, scars and trauma. It's also addressing your whole body, which is always involved. Look for a Barnes trained therapist .

Antonia Nelson

Answer 2

The first thing you need to do is find out the cause of the lumps and bumps and get a diagnosis from a doctor. It may or may not be scar tissue, but it could also be a sign of something more serious. These need to be ruled out before getting a massage. You do not give your age, which would give a better indication of what it might be. Some serious considerations would be poor blood  circulation or inadequate lymph flow. The possibility of blood clots or even benign masses are also a possibility. In some of these cases any massage would be contraindicated and very dangerous.