Pliability

Flexibility of Scars

Your skin needs to be able to move smoothly, especially around joints, so you can move normally.
However, scars are often stiffer than regular skin, which can make movement harder.
This is because scar tissue is thicker and less flexible than healthy skin.
When we talk about "flexibility," we mean how easily or poorly a scar can move along with the rest of your skin.
If a scar is very stiff, it can make joint movement harder, cause pain, or make everything feel tight and restricted.

Frequently asked questions

Do stiff scars limit your movement?

Yes, stiff scars can limit your movement, especially when they’re located in areas where the skin needs to stretch and move a lot, like around joints (for example, your knee, elbow, or shoulder). Because scar tissue is less flexible than normal skin, it can feel tight and pull when you move. This can cause restricted movement, pain, a tight sensation, or, in severe cases like burn scars, the skin can become so tight that joints can't move properly at all.

If you notice a scar is limiting your movement, you can work on improving flexibility through scar massage, stretching exercises, and sometimes with the help of a physical therapist or skin therapist.

Why do scars become stiff?

Scars become stiff because of how the body heals after an injury. During healing, scar tissue forms, which is less flexible than normal skin.
Here are the main reasons why scars become stiff:

Too much collagen

What happens?
During wound healing, the body produces extra collagen, a protein that closes and strengthens the wound.
However, this collagen is laid down in a dense, disorganized way, unlike the smoother, more flexible fibers of normal skin.
Result:
The scar feels thicker and stiffer.

Reduced elasticity

Normal skin: Contains elastin, a protein that provides stretchiness and flexibility.
Scar tissue: Has little to no elastin, making it unable to stretch with movement.

Adhesions (sticking together)

What are adhesions?
Scar tissue can stick to underlying layers like skin, muscles, or other structures.
Result:
This makes it difficult for the skin to move freely, especially with deeper scars or after surgeries.

Excessive tension during healing

What happens?
If a wound is exposed to too much tension while healing (for example, from movement or stretching), the scar can become tighter and stiffer.
Example:
A scar across a joint may become extra stiff because of constant movement.

Lack of care during healing

What happens?
If a scar isn't properly cared for — for example, not kept moisturized, massaged, or protected — it can become tighter and tougher.
Example:
Sun exposure or dry skin can harden the scar tissue even more.

Chronic inflammation

What happens?
Ongoing inflammation during the healing process can lead to extra buildup of scar tissue, causing increased stiffness.

With good care and proper treatment, you can often reduce scar stiffness, especially if you start early after the wound has closed.

How can you make a scar more flexible?

You can make a scar more flexible with regular scar massage, gently rubbing over the scar to improve blood flow and reduce tension.
Use a moisturizing cream to keep the skin soft. Silicone sheets or gels help hydrate the scar and make it more flexible. Stretching exercises are also very useful, especially for scars around joints, to improve range of motion. If stiffness is persistent, it’s a good idea to consult a specialized healthcare provider who can offer specific techniques or exercises.
Patience and consistency are key for the best results.

Pliability

Flexibility of Scars

Frequently asked questions

Possible treatments for pliability

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