Advanced, Non-Invasive Treatment for Scar Tissue

At Shockwave Therapy Centre, we offer Focused Shockwave Therapy for scars – an advanced, non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate scar tissue and support the body's natural tissue-remodelling processes.

Shockwave therapy may help improve the elasticity, mobility, texture and appearance of scar tissue, while also helping with symptoms such as tightness, discomfort and sensitivity.

Non-invasive | No injections | No surgery | Minimal downtime

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What Is Scar Tissue?

When the skin or deeper tissue is injured, the body produces collagen as part of the natural healing process.

This can occur following:

• Surgery

• Injury or trauma

• Burns

• Cuts and wounds

• Orthopaedic procedures

• Abdominal surgery

• Joint replacement

• Caesarean section

• Other medical procedures

 

During normal healing, collagen fibres gradually reorganise and the scar usually becomes softer and less noticeable.

Sometimes, however, excessive or poorly organised scar tissue develops. A scar may become thick, raised, firm, tight or less mobile than the surrounding tissue.

Scar tissue can affect more than appearance. Depending on its location and severity, it may cause tightness, discomfort or restricted movement.

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How Does Shockwave Therapy for Scars Work?

Shockwave therapy for scars uses acoustic energy to mechanically stimulate the scar and surrounding tissue.

At Shockwave Therapy Centre, we use advanced focused shockwave technology, allowing acoustic energy to be directed into targeted tissue.

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The mechanical stimulation created by shockwaves can trigger biological responses at a cellular level. These responses are associated with tissue regeneration, circulation and extracellular matrix remodelling.

Rather than surgically removing scar tissue, the objective is to encourage the tissue's own biological processes.

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Scar Tissue Remodelling

Shockwave therapy may influence the processes involved in collagen organisation and tissue remodelling.

This can be particularly important in scars that have become thick, firm or less flexible.

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Improving Scar Elasticity

Scar tissue can become less pliable than normal tissue.

Shockwave treatment may help improve tissue elasticity and mobility, which can be particularly beneficial when a scar contributes to tightness or restricted movement.

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Stimulating Circulation

Shockwaves may stimulate local microcirculation and biological processes associated with tissue repair and regeneration.

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Reducing Scar-Related Symptoms

Research into pathological scars has reported improvements in symptoms including pain and itching following extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

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What Types of Scars Can Be Treated?

Shockwave therapy may be considered for different types of scars following an individual assessment.

Surgical Scars

Scarring following surgery can sometimes become tight, thickened or adherent to the underlying tissues.

Shockwave therapy may be used as part of scar rehabilitation to help improve tissue mobility, flexibility and function.

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Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that remain within the boundaries of the original injury.

Research into extracorporeal shockwave therapy has shown promising results for improving the characteristics and symptoms of hypertrophic scars.

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Burn Scars

Burn injuries can produce significant changes in skin and connective tissue.

Post-burn scars may become thick, stiff or contracted and can sometimes restrict movement.

Shockwave therapy has been studied particularly in the management of pathological post-burn scars.

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Scar Contractures

Some scars tighten as they mature, creating a contracture.

When this occurs around a joint or an area requiring significant movement, it can affect normal mobility and function.

Improving scar elasticity and surrounding tissue mobility may form part of a broader rehabilitation program.

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Other Scars

Shockwave therapy may also be considered for other mature or problematic scars following surgery, trauma or injury.

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Every scar is different. We therefore assess the scar, surrounding tissue and your symptoms before recommending treatment.

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Potential Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Scar Tissue

Depending on the type, age and severity of the scar, treatment may help:

• Improve scar elasticity

• Improve tissue mobility and pliability

• Reduce scar tightness

• Improve the texture of scar tissue

• Reduce scar-related discomfort

• Reduce itching associated with some scars

• Improve movement where scar tissue is restricting mobility

• Support tissue regeneration and remodelling

• Improve the appearance of some scars

• Improve local circulation

• Reduce the thickness of some pathological scars

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, meaning there are no surgical incisions or injections.

Individual outcomes vary, and complete removal of a scar cannot be guaranteed.

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What Does the Research Say?

Research into shockwave therapy for scars is developing, with particularly encouraging evidence for pathological burn scars, hypertrophic scars and keloids.

A systematic review and meta-analysis involving nine randomised controlled trials and 422 patients investigated extracorporeal shockwave therapy in post-burn pathological scars.

When shockwave therapy was combined with comprehensive rehabilitation, the research reported improvements in several measures compared with rehabilitation alone, including:

• Pain

• Itching

• Scar appearance

• Elasticity

• Scar thickness

• Scar maturation

No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies.

A more recent systematic review examining shockwave therapy for hypertrophic scars and keloids also reported promising improvements in scar appearance, discomfort and function.

While these findings are encouraging, researchers emphasise that additional high-quality clinical studies are required to determine optimal treatment protocols.

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What Happens During Scar Treatment?

1. Initial Assessment

Before treatment, we assess your scar and the surrounding tissue.

We may consider:

• Cause of the scar

• Age of the scar

• Location

• Scar thickness

• Tissue mobility

• Sensitivity

• Pain or itching

• Restriction of movement

• Previous scar treatments

• Your medical history

This allows us to determine whether focused shockwave therapy for your scar is appropriate.

2. Shockwave Treatment

A contact gel is applied to the skin over and around the scar.

The shockwave applicator is then positioned over the treatment area and controlled acoustic waves are delivered into the targeted tissue.

Treatment parameters can be adjusted according to the type and sensitivity of the scar.

You may experience a tapping, pulsing or tingling sensation during treatment.

3. After Treatment

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and generally requires minimal downtime.

Most people can return to their normal daily activities following treatment.

Temporary reactions can include:

• Mild redness

• Temporary tenderness

• Tingling

• Itching

• Minor swelling

• Occasionally bruising

Your practitioner will discuss what to expect following your individual treatment.

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How Many Shockwave Treatments Will I Need?

There is no single treatment program suitable for every scar.

The number and frequency of treatments depend on factors including:

• Type of scar

• Age of the scar

• Scar thickness

• Size and location

• Severity of symptoms

• Tissue restriction

• Individual response to treatment

Some people may notice changes after several treatments, while tissue remodelling can continue over a longer period.

We will recommend an individual treatment plan following your assessment.

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Is Shockwave Therapy for Scars Painful?

Shockwave treatment is generally well tolerated, although everyone's sensitivity is different.

Treatment over a sensitive scar can occasionally feel uncomfortable. You may experience a tapping, tingling or pressure sensation while the shockwaves are being applied.

The intensity can be adjusted according to the scar, treatment objectives and your comfort.

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When Is Shockwave Therapy Not Recommended?

Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone.

Contraindications and precautions may include:

• Pregnancy, particularly treatment around the abdomen or pelvis

• Active infection in the treatment area

• Open or inadequately healed wounds unless specifically clinically indicated

• Significant blood-clotting disorders

• Certain anticoagulant medications

• Certain vascular conditions

• Malignancy within the treatment area

• Certain neurological conditions

• Other medical conditions where shockwave therapy may be contraindicated

Your medical history and medications should be discussed with your practitioner before treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Shockwave Therapy Remove a Scar?

Shockwave therapy does not erase or completely remove a scar.

The purpose of treatment is to influence the quality and behaviour of scar tissue. Depending on the individual scar, this may include improving elasticity, mobility, texture, thickness or scar-related symptoms.

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Can Old Scars Be Treated?

Potentially, yes.

Scar tissue continues to undergo biological changes long after the original wound has healed. The suitability of an older scar depends on its structure, symptoms and surrounding tissue.

We recommend an assessment to determine whether treatment is appropriate.

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Can You Treat Surgical Scars?

Yes, some surgical scars may be suitable for shockwave treatment once appropriately healed.

This can be particularly relevant when the scar has become firm, tight or adherent and is affecting normal tissue movement.

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Can Shockwave Therapy Help a Thick or Raised Scar?

Research into shockwave therapy has shown promising results for hypertrophic and other pathological scars.

Treatment suitability depends on the type of scar, and raised or unusual scars should be appropriately assessed before commencing treatment.

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Can Shockwave Therapy Help Scar Tightness?

It may.

One of the potential benefits of shockwave therapy is improvement in scar pliability and elasticity.

This can be important where scar tissue feels tight or contributes to restricted movement.

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How Soon After Surgery Can a Scar Be Treated?

This needs to be determined individually.

Treatment should not simply be started because a certain number of weeks have passed. The wound, surgical procedure, healing progress, medical history and location of the scar all need to be considered.

If you have recently undergone surgery, we may recommend consultation with your surgeon or treating medical practitioner before commencing treatment.

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Why Choose Shockwave Therapy Centre for Scar Treatment?

At Shockwave Therapy Centre, shockwave therapy is a major focus of our clinical practice.

We use advanced German-engineered focused shockwave technology and tailor treatment according to the individual tissue and condition being treated.

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Focused Shockwave Technology

Focused shockwaves allow acoustic energy to be directed into targeted tissues rather than simply treating the surface of the skin.

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Extensive Shockwave Experience

Our team has extensive clinical experience using shockwave therapy for a wide range of musculoskeletal and soft-tissue conditions.

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Individual Assessment

No two scars are identical.

We assess the scar, surrounding tissues, symptoms and functional limitations before recommending a treatment program.

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Combining Treatment With Rehabilitation

Where appropriate, scar treatment can be incorporated into a broader physiotherapy or rehabilitation program, particularly when scar tissue is contributing to restricted movement or impaired function.

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Non-Invasive Approach

Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgical incisions and generally involves minimal downtime.

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Could Shockwave Therapy Help Your Scar?

If you have a scar that is thick, tight, uncomfortable, sensitive or restricting your movement, focused shockwave therapy may provide another treatment option.

Contact Shockwave Therapy Centre to arrange an assessment and find out whether shockwave treatment is suitable for your scar.

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Book a Scar Assessment

Shockwave Therapy Centre
Phone: 07 5448 6552