Stretch Marks and Scars: Why They’re Hot Zones for Trigger Points

Whether from surgery, injury, pregnancy, or growth spurts, scars and stretch marks are physical reminders of how the body has adapted, healed, or been pushed to its limits. But beyond being skin-deep, these areas often become hot zones for trigger points—small, hypersensitive knots in the muscle or fascia that can refer pain and limit mobility.

This article explains why scar tissue and stretch marks create ideal conditions for trigger points, and what massage therapists can do to help restore balance in these areas.

🔬 What Are Trigger Points?

A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in a taut band of muscle or fascia that:

• Feels like a knot or tight rope under the skin
  
• Can cause local or referred pain
  
• Often limits range of motion or causes stiffness
  
• Reacts with pain when compressed
  
  

Trigger points are usually caused by overuse, trauma, poor posture, or tissue imbalances, and they tend to form where muscles are under chronic stress—physically or neurologically.

💡 Why Are Stretch Marks and Scars Trigger Point Hot Zones?

1. Fascial Disruption

Scars and stretch marks distort the normal collagen alignment in the dermis and fascia, which interrupts how muscles glide and how force is transferred across tissues. This abnormal tension can:

• Cause compensation in neighboring muscles
  
• Disrupt proprioception (body awareness)
  
• Lead to neuromuscular confusion, setting the stage for trigger point formation
  
  

2. Tissue Adhesions and Immobilization

Scar tissue is denser and less elastic than normal connective tissue. It can stick to underlying structures—muscles, nerves, or fascia—causing:

• Restricted movement
  
• Micro-tension in surrounding tissue
  
• Chronic pulling or stress points → prime conditions for trigger points
  
  

3. Nervous System Overload

The body interprets scarred or overstretched areas as “unstable” or “at risk.” As a protective response:

• The nervous system may increase muscle tone nearby
  
• This creates chronic tension and reflexive guarding, which can cause trigger points to form
  
  

4. Loss of Blood Flow and Lymph Flow

Scarred or overstretched tissue often has compromised circulation, meaning:

• Reduced oxygen and nutrients to the area
  
• Less effective removal of metabolic waste
  
• Slower healing and increased tissue irritability
  
  

This can create a low-grade inflammatory state that encourages trigger point development.

5. Psychological and Emotional Components

Scars (especially from surgeries, accidents, or trauma) often carry emotional weight. The nervous system can store trauma patterns in the tissue, keeping surrounding muscles in a state of vigilance—again, ideal conditions for trigger points.

🧰 What Can Massage Therapists Do?

✅ 1. Myofascial Release

Gently loosen adhesions around scars and stretch marks to restore fascial glide. This helps normalize mechanical load and tissue mobility.

 

✅ 2. Cross-Fiber Friction

Used carefully, this can break down scar adhesions, increase circulation, and desensitize trigger points hiding beneath scar tissue.

 

✅ 3. Trigger Point Therapy

Work indirectly at first. Avoid aggressive pressure directly on the scar—work around it until the tissue adapts. Apply pressure to active or latent trigger points in surrounding areas to reduce compensatory patterns.

 

✅ 4. Active or Passive Stretching

Encourage tissue lengthening while the fascia and scars are being addressed. Always ensure the stretch doesn't re-aggravate the scar area.

 

✅ 5. Emotional Safety

Always treat scarred and stretched areas with empathy and awareness. Ask permission before working directly on these zones. Some scars, especially from trauma, may require a trauma-informed approach or a referral to a somatic therapist.

 

📍 Common Hot Zones for Trigger Points Around Scars and Stretch Marks