Physio Hub Podcast #26: Scar Tissue in Muscles

Описание: Scar Tissue in Muscles: What Athletes Should Actually Do About It
Evidence-Based Recovery & Performance Insights | Physio Hub

Scar tissue—also known as fibrosis—is a normal part of muscle healing after injury. But when scar tissue becomes excessive or poorly remodeled, it can limit flexibility, reduce strength, impair movement quality, and increase the risk of reinjury.

In this episode, we break down what muscle scar tissue really is, why it can become a problem for athletes, and what current research actually supports when it comes to treatment and long-term management.

🔬 Topics Covered in This Episode

What scar tissue (fibrosis) is and how it forms after muscle injury

How excess collagen affects muscle elasticity, strength, and regeneration

Why scar tissue cannot simply be “broken up” or removed

Evidence behind common treatments:

Graston / instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization

Massage and stretching

Dry needling

Ultrasound and laser therapy

The role of progressive loading in scar tissue remodeling

How nutrition supports healthy collagen repair

Practical strategies athletes can use to restore function and reduce reinjury risk

🧠 Evidence-Based Takeaways

Research shows that most treatments do not eliminate scar tissue. Instead, successful management focuses on improving tissue mobility, restoring strength, and optimizing movement quality.

Manual therapies may provide short-term improvements in pain and range of motion, but progressive strengthening, controlled loading, and consistent mobility work are the most important drivers of long-term functional recovery.

Scar tissue remodels based on how you move and load the tissue—not how aggressively you try to “break it up.”

👤 Who This Episode Is For

Competitive and recreational athletes

Coaches and strength & conditioning professionals

Physical therapists and sports rehabilitation clinicians

Anyone dealing with lingering stiffness or recurrent muscle injuries

⚠️ Important Notes

No single technique removes scar tissue

Passive treatments alone are insufficient

Poorly managed fibrosis can increase reinjury risk

Individualized assessment matters—chronic injuries require different strategies than acute ones

Always work with a qualified clinician when returning to training after muscle injury.

🎙️ About Physio Hub

Physio Hub delivers evidence-based education in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and performance.

No myths.
No shortcuts.
Just practical science you can apply.