Getting rid of scar tissue with a vibrator?

[cjb1981]

To make a long story short...About 4 months ago, I had the worst case of tonsillitis that I've ever had. In fact, the tonsil on the right side of my neck ruptured, and funky stuff drained out I, not having health insurance at the time, didn't go to the doctor. Anyways, it got better, but I noticed that there was a lump on the side of my neck where my lymph node should be. I ended up getting insurance, going to the doctor and finding out that it was only scar tissue, and NOT lymphoma or leukemia...thank the lord. Anyways, the doctor told me to massage it, and it would get softer and smaller. My question is, instead of me spending a ton of time doing that, could I just hold a vibrator on my neck for 10 or 15 minutes a day? I don't want to mess up anything in my neck, I don't know if veins and arteries can handle vibrations like that. That being said, I think that it may just be crazy enough to work, and I figured the question was amusing enough that some folks around here might get a kick out of it Now obviously I'm looking for a person with some medical knowledge to give their insight, but as always, every ones opinion is welcome

[sera300]

Do not put a vibrator or anything else on it! Use the tips of your finger tips and just massage the area! Not a good idea to occlude either of the carotid arteries or the jugular veins in the neck. Actually, massaging the carotid artery is a really bad idea--you can screw your heart rhythm up; only to be done by a Cardiologist. Stick to the node with your finger tips!

[cjb1981]

Thanks Sera, good to know...

[constantlylearning]

Off topic but somewhat related. Is small scar tissue easily removed??
For example, if one had say knee surgery (sports related type) can that
scar be diminshed without cosmetic surgery or is that the best alternative?
Sort of a vain question but a question nonetheless.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by constantlylearning

Off topic but somewhat related. Is small scar tissue easily removed??
For example, if one had say knee surgery (sports related type) can that
scar be diminshed without cosmetic surgery or is that the best alternative?
Sort of a vain question but a question nonetheless.

Scar tissue is usually something which is present within the area which is affected. Such as knee surgery; scar tissue is what lies under the soft tissue where the surgical repair was performed. Some people build it fast, some not at all. I believe what you are referring to is the scar it's the scar which you see. Depending on how long ago it was done the external scarring should shrink and fade with time. Minimizing scar tissue under the structure has to do with mobility. Physical Therapists can break that under portion down to make it flexible. Keeping your Range of Motion is imperative. Many years ago I had several surgeries, there is scar tissue underneath as a result. Ultrasound, exercise, and massage of the area keeps it's minimized (including stretching for flexibility). However, the knee incision will fade and shrink over time, if it was done well. Re-cutting for aesthetic purposes is risky since it can worsen the issue. When I had my back done; I built tons of scar tissue (internally) and about every 5 years I have to have it removed since it wraps around the nerve & the opening where the nerves come out from the bone and creates more of a problem. The scar on the outside? Shrunk, faded, and tissue massage on the top of the surface to keep it mobile rather then it getting too tight. Remaining flexible keeps it loose internally.

Now, what CJB is talking about is I believe where the tonsil is is part of the lymphatic system & most likely has a lump on his neck. This is where tissue massage and deep tissue massage (done by a professional) can help reduce the lump and help the lymph flow (discharging) rather then being congested and getting enlarged. What he should see is a scarred tonsil inside and enlarged. Massaging the exterior portion should help it drain and break down more congestion...this is mandatory for lymphatic drainage. You have a lymphatic system through out your body which dumps into the abdominal area. A massage therapist which does lymph massage may be beneficial for you.

Often women during their menstrual cycle will notice lymphs in their calf region to be enlarged. Reducing and causing drainage helps relieve cramps.

[Thresher_V]

Same off-topic kind of question, but for the docs here....I have a knife wound on my hand, the ER doc didn't x-ray or anything, but after 9 months or so I still have numbness on the left side of my thumb. He just put 4 stitches in and gave me some kind of pain meds.

We have a really....really, sh@tty hospital.

By the way, is there a cream I can use to make the scar go away?

[sera300]

Originally Posted by Thresher_V

Same off-topic kind of question, but for the docs here....I have a knife wound on my hand, the ER doc didn't x-ray or anything, but after 9 months or so I still have numbness on the left side of my thumb. He just put 4 stitches in and gave me some kind of pain meds.

We have a really....really, sh@tty hospital.

By the way, is there a cream I can use to make the scar go away?

Try some Vitamin E...also you may want to see a specialist which does hands only. You may have done some damage which was not assessed. X-rays are only good for bone & foreign bodies of particular type materials. They [films] do not get into tendon damage.

[EvilEvilKitten]

As a woman who has led an *ahem* active life, I can tell you that scars are NOTHING to be ashamed of. Sure, your perfection is marred but, hey, a few scars means you haven't spent your life sleeping on the sofa.

[Thresher_V]

I don't mind the scar so much, just what damage is underneath. After it happened I could see I saw bone. Ever since it happened I've had more pain in that hand and of course the partial numbness. That's what I get for relying on "good" medical care from Medicaid. Can't afford the "real" good stuff, lol.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by Thresher_V

I don't mind the scar so much, just what damage is underneath. After it happened I could see I saw bone. Ever since it happened I've had more pain in that hand and of course the partial numbness. That's what I get for relying on "good" medical care from Medicaid. Can't afford the "real" good stuff, lol.

Physicians have to take you if you have m'caid. There is no difference in treatment; the one which gives the most difficult time is M'care! I would call up a hand specialist & see if you can get an appointment for an evaluation. In each geographic area who does "hands" specifically may be an orthopedist or plastic surgeon. Our hand specialist is an Orthopedist; he will not touch anything but a hand. And no one else will touch his area. Now, go to a different area? Medical Center? They may use a vascular surgeon or a different specialty. I would not worry about the scar; more about the numbness and the cause. I have seen hands sliced open where there is full bone showing...no damage other then soft tissue; sutured in sterile areas due to the bone risks & fragments having to be removed. Other's tendons torn--to the OR.