top of page

Is It Common to Have Pain and Tension in the Scar After Cardiac Surgery? How scar Massage and Microcurrent can help.

  • Writer: Nicole Longwell
    Nicole Longwell
  • Jul 10
  • 2 min read

Close-up of a woman's chest with a vertical scar, wearing a blue shirt. The scar is prominent against light skin, conveying a sense of healing.

💔 Is Scar Pain After Cardiac Surgery Normal?

Yes—pain, tightness, or tension in the scar area after cardiac surgery is quite common. While your body is healing from a major procedure like open-heart surgery or bypass surgery, it creates scar tissue to close the incision. But this scar tissue is denser and less flexible than your original tissue, which can cause discomfort as it matures.


🔎 Why Scar Pain Happens After Heart Surgery

  • Scar tissue can bind to surrounding skin, fascia, and even muscle, leading to:

  • Pulling or tightness across the chest

  • Pain with stretching, deep breathing, or posture changes

  • Restricted range of motion

  • A sensation of internal “stiffness” or tugging

  • This discomfort may last for months or even years if not addressed with scar-specific care.

Person lifting shirt shows surgical scars on torso in a grassy outdoor setting. Wearing a gray shirt and green wristband.

🔬 Scar Tissue and the Nervous System

Scar tissue can trap nerve endings, leading to long-lasting discomfort, hypersensitivity, or dull aching. Some people also develop adhesions, which are deeper internal bands of scar tissue that limit movement or affect posture.


💡 What You Can Do About It

If you’re experiencing scar-related pain after heart surgery, the following therapies can help:


1. Manual Scar Tissue Therapy

A trained therapist can use gentle techniques to release restrictions, improve tissue mobility, and reduce pain.


2. Lymphatic Drainage Massage

After surgery, the lymphatic system can become congested. Lymphatic massage helps reduce swelling, support immune function, and promote faster recovery around scar areas.


3. Microcurrent Therapy for Scar Tissue

Low-frequency electrical stimulation can improve cellular communication, reduce inflammation, and soften dense scar tissue—often relieving tightness and pain.


4. Daily Movement + Breathwork

Simple stretching and deep breathing help mobilize the chest wall, keep scar tissue flexible, and retrain healthy movement patterns.


🧠 When to Seek Help

If scar pain interferes with daily activities, sleep, or emotional wellbeing, consult your healthcare provider or a licensed bodyworker trained in post-surgical scar therapy. You don't have to live with persistent tension—it’s treatable.


🌀 In Summary

Scar pain after cardiac surgery is common—but it’s not something you have to just "live with." With the right tools and care, you can reduce discomfort, restore freedom of movement, and support long-term healing.





Comments


bottom of page