Your Old Injury Might Still Be Causing Problems—Even If It Doesn’t Hurt Anymore
By Dr. Andrew Kakishita | Kinetic Chiropractic – Lehi, UT
We often hear things like, "I injured my shoulder years ago, but it hasn’t hurt in forever." And yet, the same person is now dealing with neck pain or headaches. Coincidence? Probably not.
Your Body Remembers Old injuries can create lasting effects—not just scar tissue, but changes in how you move. If one area becomes less stable or mobile, your body compensates. These compensations often lead to new problems over time, even in unrelated areas.
For example, an ankle sprain from high school might cause you to shift weight slightly while walking. Over years, this can lead to hip tightness, lower back strain, or even shoulder imbalances. Your body adapts—but not always in a good way.
Scar Tissue Can Limit Function Even after the pain is gone, tissue healing isn’t always perfect. Scar tissue can reduce range of motion, restrict blood flow, and cause nearby muscles to tighten or overcompensate. The result? You might feel tight, off balance, or experience pain in totally new areas.
These effects are subtle but real—and they can be a hidden cause of chronic or recurring discomfort. Scar tissue can also interfere with nerve glide and joint tracking, creating mechanical tension that radiates elsewhere in the body.
How Chiropractic Helps At Kinetic Chiropractic, we assess the whole picture of your movement history. We use a combination of adjustments, IASTM, pin-and-stretch, and even shockwave therapy to address scar tissue and restore healthy motion. We also provide exercises to help retrain the body and correct imbalances created by old injuries.
When appropriate, we also refer patients for massage therapy, strengthening protocols, or mobility work to ensure comprehensive recovery. Our goal isn’t just to relieve symptoms—it’s to restore balance and prevent the next issue from cropping up.
If you feel like something just hasn’t been the same since an old injury—even if it doesn’t hurt anymore—don’t ignore it. It could be the missing piece to why your current issue keeps coming back.
Let’s find the root of the problem—and help you move forward.