Scar Release Therapy using Microcurrent Point Stimulation at Ottawa Pelvic Health

Ottawa Pelvic Health is excited to offer Scar Release Therapy (SRT) using Dolphin Neurostim Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) as part of our services. This treatment can be an excellent option for post-operative clients following both pelvic procedures (such as c-section, hysterectomy, or tummy tuck) and non-pelvic surgeries (such as ACL reconstruction or fracture repair). Read on to learn how scar tissue can affect your recovery and how SRT can help optimize healing.

What is scar tissue?

When tissue is injured—whether through planned surgery or an unexpected tear during childbirth—the body repairs the area by forming scar tissue. Scar tissue is made of skin cells and collagen protein and forms through every layer involved in the injury. For example, a c-section incision crosses multiple layers of tissue, each of which will generate scar tissue as part of the healing process.

Figure 1. Six of the seven layers of tissue affected by a c-section (not pictured is the deepest  layer - the amniotic sac).(2)

Scar tissue differs from our “healthy tissue” in two main ways:

1. Higher, denser collagen content: Collagen provides structure and support, like the framework behind a wall. Scar tissue contains more collagen, and this collagen is denser and more rigid, which can make the tissue less flexible and less able to move freely.

2. Disorganized collagen orientation: In healthy tissue, collagen fibers line up in an organized, parallel fashion, similar to smooth, straight hair. In scar tissue, collagen fibers are laid down in a more random pattern—more like a tangle or knot.

These features are a normal part of healing, but over time we want the scar to become as functional as possible. A functional scar should bend, stretch, and tolerate everyday movements. If the scar remains rigid and immobile, it can restrict movement, contribute to pain, reduce muscle activation, and increase the risk of compensation or overuse injuries in surrounding areas.

What is Microcurrent Point Stimulation?

MPS with Dolphin Neurostim is designed to address the disorganization of collagen in scar tissue. It is non-invasive and typically well-tolerated. During treatment, two small probes deliver a gentle microcurrent across the length of the scar, from one side of the incision to the other.

This microcurrent is tuned to travel through collagen fibers, helping to polarize the tissue and encourage collagen to remodel and realign. In simple terms, it helps “brush out the knots” in the scar, promoting:

• Improved scar mobility and flexibility

• Reduced pain and sensitivity

• Better appearance of the scar

• Improved muscle activation and movement in the surrounding area

Figure 2. (1) A deep injury causes a defect in the collagen network and the physiological repair process begins. (2) During the healing stage, the body produces a dense and disorganized bundle of collagen. (3) With sufficient and functional external stimulation, the collagen is re-aligned according to function, mirroring the pre-existing collagen network. (4)

What does assessment and treatment look like?

At Ottawa Pelvic Health, SRT with MPS is integrated into a full physiotherapy session so your scar is treated in the context of your whole body. Your visit will typically include:

• A detailed history, including type of surgery or injury, symptoms, and goals

• A physical examination of the scar’s appearance, mobility, and sensitivity, as well as the surrounding muscles, joints, and connective tissue

• Your first treatment on day one, including microcurrent scar release as appropriate

• Education and home strategies to help maintain and build on your results

• A tailored treatment plan based on the age, location, and behavior of your scar

Our goal is to help your scar move, feel, and function better so you can return more comfortably to the activities that matter to you.

If you have questions about pelvic health physiotherapy, c-sections, or Scar Release Therapy, you can book a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists.

Sources:

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/scars

2. https://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/library/library-item/layers-cut-or-entered-during-c-section

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3840475/

4. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/6/2055