Scar Restrictions in Bozeman

Scar Restrictions in Bozeman, MT: Restore Mobility, Reduce Pain, and Reclaim Comfort

Scars tell stories – of surgeries, injuries, or trauma – but they shouldn’t dictate your body’s future. Scar tissue that restricts movement, causes pain, or limits function is more than a cosmetic concern; it’s a barrier to living fully.

At Root Therapy & Wellness, our licensed physical therapists specialize in scar release therapy, using evidence-based techniques to break down adhesions, restore mobility, and alleviate discomfort. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, burns, or an old injury, call (406) 219-5388 to discover how we can help your body move freely again.

Understanding Scar Restrictions: When Healing Becomes a Hindrance

Scar tissue forms as the body repairs itself, but excessive or poorly aligned collagen fibers can create adhesions that bind skin, muscles, and fascia. This leads to:

  • Reduced Range of Motion: Tight scars limit joint mobility (e.g., post-mastectomy shoulder stiffness).
  • Chronic Pain: Nerve entrapment or tension from scar tissue pulling on surrounding structures.
  • Functional Limitations: Difficulty reaching, bending, or performing daily tasks.

Common Causes We Address:

  • Surgical Scars: C-sections, joint replacements, abdominal surgeries.
  • Traumatic Scars: Burns, lacerations, or crush injuries.
  • Chronic Wounds: Pressure ulcers, diabetic wounds, or radiation fibrosis.

Why Early Intervention Matters: Fresh scars respond faster, but even decades-old scars can improve with targeted therapy.

Our Scar Release Therapy Program

We combine manual therapy, movement re-education, and advanced modalities to soften scar tissue and restore functional harmony.

Phase 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

  • Scar Assessment: Evaluate adhesion depth, mobility, and sensitivity using the POSAS Scale (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale).
  • Fascial Mapping: Identify how scar tension affects adjacent muscles and joints.
  • Functional Testing: Measure limitations in activities (e.g., reaching overhead post-mastectomy).

Phase 2: Manual Therapy Techniques

  • Myofascial Release: Gentle sustained pressure to separate adhered tissue layers.
  • Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): Tools like Graston® or HawkGrips® to break down fibrosis.
  • Cupping Therapy: Lift and mobilize scar tissue to improve blood flow.
  • Scar Massage: Cross-friction techniques to remodel collagen alignment.

Phase 3: Restore Movement & Strength

  • Stretching Protocols: Progressive tensioning to elongate scarred tissue.
  • Eccentric Strengthening: Rebuild muscle without overloading healing areas.
  • Neuromuscular Re-education: Correct compensatory movement patterns (e.g., limping due to knee scar tightness).

Why Choose Root Therapy & Wellness?

  • Specialized Expertise: Advanced training in post-surgical rehab and burn recovery.
  • Pain-Sensitive Approach: Techniques adjusted for sensitivity (common with nerve-rich scars).
  • Holistic Integration: Combining scar therapy with pain management as needed.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

  1. Detailed History: Discuss your scar’s origin, current symptoms, and goals (e.g., “Reduce c-section scar pain during exercise”).
  2. Hands-On Assessment: Palpate scar tissue and test mobility in affected areas.
  3. Immediate Relief Strategies: Leave with a gentle home massage routine or stretching exercise.

FAQs About Scar Release Therapy in Bozeman, MT

“Can therapy help old scars?”
Yes! While newer scars respond faster, even decades-old scars can improve with consistent therapy.

“Is scar release painful?”
We prioritize comfort. Techniques are gentle and adjusted to your pain tolerance. Mild discomfort may occur but should never be sharp or lasting.

“How soon will I see results?”
Many patients notice improved mobility in 2-4 sessions. Significant softening and pain reduction often take 6-8 weeks.

“Do you work with burn scars?”
Absolutely. We use silicone gel sheets, mobilization, and desensitization techniques for burn recovery.

“Will insurance cover this?”
Most plans cover scar therapy when deemed medically necessary. We’ll verify your benefits beforehand.

Reclaim Your Body’s Freedom – One Scar at a Time

Don’t let scar tissue hold you back. At Root Therapy & Wellness, we’ll help you transform restrictions into resilience, pain into possibility, and scars into stories of recovery.

Call (406) 219-5388 now to schedule your scar therapy assessment. Let’s restore your body’s natural movement – together.

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Joyce H.

Everyone I have been treated by at Root Therapy have been patient with me and extremely helpful with my recovery. Thank you.

S McGee

They are the best for PT!
Kristi is just really good at her job. She’s timely and thorough and amazing.

Kezia Peterson

MOTR/L

Owner, Occupational Therapist

Kezia Peterson is an Occupational Therapist and founder of Root Therapy & Wellness. As a result of multiple car accidents, resulting in chronic back and neck pain, as well as migraines and vision concerns, she understands this impact that this has on an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, as well as work and play, and the mental challenges that can result from coping with pain on a daily basis.

Her understanding of pain has led her to pursue multiple different modalities of training, with the goal of helping her patients by meeting them where they are at, understanding their goals, and ensuring that they have the best team of providers to help them get to the root of their dysfunction in order to allow their systems to achieve healing from every level possible.

Clinical Focus Areas:

  • Upper extremity injuries
    • Hand/wrist/elbow/shoulder pain
    • Fractures
    • Arthritis
    • Sprains / Strains
  • Chronic pain
    • CRPS – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
    • Back/neck
    • Headaches / Migraines / Concussions
    • Abdominal pain

Education & Training

  • B.S in Psychology, North Dakota State University, 2003
  • M.S. in Occupational Therapy, University of Minnesota, 2009
  • Visceral Manipulation [VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4]
  • Myofascial Release
  • Craniosacral therapy [CS1, CS2]
  • Somato Emotional Practitioner Certification
  • Kezia is currently undertaking the certification process to become an SEP – a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. This allows for her to support her patients in moving on from past traumas that may be contributing to their inability to move past pain patterns. She will complete her advanced level training and earn her certification in January 2024.