Muscle & Scar Tissue Therapy

Tight, knotted muscles can make everyday movement uncomfortable. Stubborn scar tissue from an old injury or surgery may also leave an area feeling stiff or difficult to stretch. Muscle & Scar Tissue Therapy focuses on these areas to help you move more comfortably when treatment is appropriate.

At ProActive Chiropractic & Rehab in Jacksonville, IL, we start with an exam and talk about what you want to get back to doing. Both Dr. Paul Lyell and Dr. Matthew Link provide this care as part of an individualized plan.

Helping Tight Muscles Move More Freely

Your doctor uses smooth treatment tools and controlled pressure over areas that feel tight or restricted. Alongside stretching and exercise, this care may help:

• Ease the feeling of tight, knotted muscles
• Improve comfort when stretching or moving
• Restore movement in areas that feel stiff
• Support recovery and a return to everyday activity

Concerns Commonly Treated

We may consider this therapy for muscle tightness or stiffness related to:

• Chronic neck and back tightness
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tennis elbow / Golfer's elbow
• Rotator cuff–related shoulder pain
• IT band–related hip and knee pain
• Stubborn scar tissue from old injuries or surgery, once healing allows treatment
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Shin splints

What to Expect During Treatment

Your doctor moves smooth tools over the affected area and adjusts the pressure to your comfort. Tell us if an area feels too sensitive so we can adapt treatment.

• Sessions typically last 10–15 minutes per area treated
• Some redness or mild bruising can occur and usually resolves on its own
• Often combined with stretching and strengthening exercise
• The number of sessions depends on the area and how you respond

Why We Use It

The goal is to help restore movement and support recovery, not to promise a quick fix. Some patients may progress toward a faster recovery when this care is paired with appropriate exercise, but results and timelines vary. We often combine it with:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Rehabilitation and corrective exercise
• Shockwave therapy when appropriate
• Dry needling when appropriate (provided by Dr. Paul Lyell)

Is It Right for You?

If tight muscles or stiffness around an old injury or surgical scar are limiting your movement, we can help you understand your options. Treatment is used only when appropriate for your health and stage of healing. We'll tell you if another approach is a better fit. Individual results vary.

Dr. Paul Lyell is Graston-certified. This approach is instrument-assisted soft tissue work (IASTM), used as part of a broader care plan.