ScarWork
ScarWork is a treatment used to improve the health and feel of scar tissue, fibrosis, adhesions or changes in tissue health following surgery, radiotherapy or accidents.
Most people try ScarWork because scar tissue is the cause of discomfort such as pain or reduced mobility, or the scar feels tight, numb, itchy or sensitive. We can work with most scars, including those from C-Section, Hysterectomy, Mastectomy, Achilles reconstructions and knee surgery.
What happens during the treatment?
We work to stimulate the tissues, concentrating on the underlying layers of the dermis and fascia, as well as any adhesions around the scar. This promotes the blood and lymphatic supply (essential for cell regeneration) and helps to mobilise and soften the thicker tissue that is usually present. After treatment, clients often notice that their scars feel softer, mobility has improved and pain is less. It is a gentle treatment that shouldn’t cause discomfort and improvement is usually lasting. In some cases, the scar itself won’t appear to change much but the treatment can release tension elsewhere in the body as our bodies respond to new stimuli and techniques.
Does the age of the scar matter?
New scars do have to wait until they are healed before we can work on them, so we would begin treatment once you have been signed off by your surgeon and the skin has fully healed – typically 6-8 weeks post-op.
Old scars can respond to treatment just as well as newer ones – even scars that are decades old can be treated, because the body is always renewing cells. So even if a scar appears permanent, this is not necessarily the case!
What scars do you treat?
The most important factor is whether you feel comfortable with the scar being treated. We know that scars hold an emotional connection, and of course we take this into account.
We can treat most scars, including but not limited to those from:
Abdominoplasty
Bowel resection
Breast augmentation/reduction
Cancer surgery
Carcinoma and melanoma removal
C-section scar / hysterectomy
Drain and port
Gallbladder or appendix removal
General accidents (in childhood and as an adult)
Joint replacement (knee, hip and shoulder)
Keyhole surgery
Mastectomy, WLI (lumpectomy) and breast reconstruction (TUG, DIEP, TRAM, LAT Flap etc.)
Open-heart surgery
Spinal surgery
How long is a course of ScarWork treatment?
Generally a course of treatment is needed, although single sessions can be helpful.
The length of a course depends on the scar, the person and the stage of healing. Each scar is different and everyone heals at a different rate – some people can feel instant changes and relief, and others may take a bit longer.