At Pippa’s Movement Therapy, I understand that scars can be more than just physical marks; they can hold emotional weight and impact your movement and well-being.
Whether your scar is from surgery, a cesarean, breast cancer treatment, or an accident, it is part of your unique story. Scarwork™ is a gentle yet transformative therapy that can help you reclaim your body and change your feelings about your scars.
What is Scarwork™?
Developed by the American therapist Sharon Wheeler, Scarwork™ is a specialised technique designed to improve the appearance and function of scars. It works by releasing the stuck tissue back into the web of connective tissue that extends throughout your body. This reintegration of the lumps, holes, and ropey tissue can significantly improve the appearance and feel of your scar.
The Benefits of Scarwork™ include:
- Improved Appearance: Scars often become smoother, softer, and less noticeable.
- Increased Mobility: Scar tissue can restrict movement. Scarwork™ helps restore flexibility and range of motion.
- Reduced Sensitivity: Many clients experience decreased pain, itching, or discomfort.
- Emotional Healing: Reconnecting with your body through Scarwork™ can facilitate emotional healing and greater acceptance.
Understanding Scars and the Impact of Scarwork™
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process following injury, surgery, infection, or inflammation. While scars serve a vital purpose in protecting the body, they can also lead to discomfort, restricted movement, and even emotional distress.
Scar tissue inherently differs from the original tissue it replaces – it is more rigid, less flexible, and more prone to re-injury. The type of scar formed varies, ranging from raised and lumpy to bound adhesions that create depressions in the skin. These variations can lead to a range of sensations: itching, tenderness, tightness, numbness, and even a feeling of being “pulled” or “done up too tightly.”
It is important to remember that scarring is not limited to external injuries. Internal trauma, such as sprains, strains, and childbirth, can also cause scarring, even without visible damage to the skin. This internal scarring can significantly affect movement and function.
Scar tissue can disrupt the body’s natural alignment and movement patterns in two key ways:
- Fibre Misalignment: Scar fibres often form at right angles to muscle fibres, hindering the muscle’s ability to work effectively.
- Adhesions: Scar tissue can cause tissues to stick together, creating internal restrictions and draglines. This can increase pressure on nerves, blood vessels, muscles, bones, and internal organs, often resulting in unexpected symptoms in seemingly unrelated areas.
What to Expect from a Scarwork™ Session
Scarwork™ is a gentle and relaxing experience. No oils or creams are used. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and may involve light touch, gentle stretches, and specific techniques to release adhesions and restrictions within the scar tissue.
Developed by Sharon Wheeler, a student of Ida Rolf (the founder of Rolfing and Structural Integration), Scarwork™ offers a gentle and effective approach to addressing scarring challenges. Unlike older, more forceful techniques, Scarwork™ prioritises a light, responsive touch that listens to the body’s pain signals. This approach has been shown to create profound changes at the cellular level, leading to significant improvements in scar tissue.
During a Scarwork™ session, I will assess how your scars and adhesions impact your posture and movement. Treatment involves working on the scar itself and surrounding areas, aiming to soften and change the scar tissue. The result is often improved mobility, reduced discomfort, and a greater sense of connection with your body.
Sessions are held at my clinic, a peaceful stone barn nestled amidst the natural beauty of Devon. Surrounded by organic farmland and the soothing sounds of the nearby river, it offers a tranquil haven for healing and rejuvenation. Clients often tell me how the space exudes peace and security, making it the perfect environment to focus on one’s healing and well-being.
About Me
I trained extensively, becoming a qualified instructor with The School of Living Movement and achieving recognition as an Intermediate Grade teacher with The Tai Chi Union of Great Britain. I pursued training in Holistic Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, and Level 4 Sports Massage with Rehabilitation.
This comprehensive skill set allows me to address both the physical and emotional aspects of movement limitations, injury, and trauma, empowering my clients to achieve lasting change.
I am a member of the Complementary Medical Association (MCMA) and the Complementary Therapists Association (CThA) and hold full professional insurance with Holistic Insurance Services.
Take the First Step
If you are ready to explore the transformative power of Scarwork™, I invite you to contact me for a consultation. Together, we can create a personalised treatment plan to help you reclaim your body, embrace your scars, and confidently move forward.