ScarWork
What is it?
A new form of scar therapy, developed by American therapist Sharon Wheeler (to differentiate it from other forms of scar massage, you might see it referred to as Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork). It's a very gentle treatment, that is given without oils or creams, to help post operative, accident or burn scars.
It's a fairly new treatment, with only around 400 therapists qualified in the UK at this time.
I am able to offer ScarWork treatments in person, as well as an online consultation (as of June 2020, as a coronavirus necessity!). During a virtual consultation, we’d discuss topical treatment option for your scar and go through a range of very gentle techniques that you can perform at home, to help your scar to heal and address any discomfort, numbness or tightness in scar and surrounding tissue. Please see the pricing page for more info.
What does it do?
ScarWork is used to improve feeling and functionality in the scar and surrounding tissues, creating better movement between the layers of the skin, connective tissue and muscle.
Tightness in surrounding tissues can reduce, helping restore normal muscle function. Knots and tight, ropey scars are often softened and loosened and ridges and holes may be minimised.
As skin is healing after an operation or accident, different layers under the skin get adhered (stuck together) as the body rushes to close and heal the wound. ScarWork stimulates the area and the movements used encourage further natural healing to take place. It helps to release these stuck layers to allow for better function and movement in the scar and surrounding tissues.
Visually scars often appear smaller, flatter, lighter and less prominent but the emphasis is on the underlying tissue changes. Dense scar tissue can reduce, nerve impairment such as numbness, pain, itching, irritation or extreme sensitivity may improve.
Changes to the scar and nerve function are usually permanent. Multiple treatments are recommended to gain the most benefit and response to treatment will vary for each person.
How does it work?
Our nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels are wrapped in layers of connective tissue, also known as fascia. ScarWork therapy may be effective by releasing tension in the connective tissue and therefore improving nerve function and fluid flow as any localised restrictions caused by the scar tissue are reduced and improved.
Is it painful?
Treatments are very gentle, making them suitable even for children or anyone with extremely sensitive scars. I will always be working within your comfort level and treatments can be adjusted to suit you at any time. Very often over sensitivity can be improved as the nerves in the scar area relax and are desensitised over time.
Movements are relaxed as they work on and around the scar, gently moving deeper into the underlying tissues and pumping fluid with press and release motions.
Most clients find the treatments very relaxing.
I have worked with clients who hate to have their scars touched and wouldn't even touch them themselves. Starting away from the scar area and gradually progressing onto the scar only as comfort levels allow, made changes to sensitivity possible within just a few treatments.
My scar is very old - can this still help?
It’s never too late...scars can be very, very old and still improve with ScarWork treatment.
Which scars can be treated?
Many different kinds of scars can benefit from this specialised scar massage. Scars could be the result of an accident, operation, including cosmetic surgery, or a burn.
Some examples of scars that can be treated:
Abdominal surgery, C-section, cancer surgery, knee surgery, mastectomy, open heart surgery, tube/drain sites, road traffic accident, spinal surgery, facial scars, foot surgery, hip replacement, hysterectomy.
ScarWork is not a replacement for conventional treatment. Keloid scars, stretch marks and acne scars can not be treated with ScarWork. If you are in doubt, ask your doctor or consultant if you can safely have massage on your scar.