Scarwork ™ aims to improve the look and function of your scar. Whether the scar is from surgery or a burn, Scarwork ™ settles the disturbed tissue back into its surroundings, changing the visual appearance of your scar.
Scars are different in texture, pigmentation and pliability from the tissue around them. Scarwork ™ seeks to release the stuck tissue back into the web of connective tissue that extends throughout your body. It is this reintegration of the lumps, holes and ropey tissue that inproves the scarring.
Scarwork ™ is gentle and relaxed, with a listening touch and a connecting quality from the practioner. No oils or cremes are used.
As the scarred area begins to move more easily, clients have said their relationship to the scar has changed for the better; for example being able to touch a scar that was previously unbearably sensitive. This aspect of the Scarwork ™ treatment can feel of immense value as it may be part of a bigger recovery process.
Scarwork ™ is a specialised treatment developed by the American therapist Sharon Wheeler. It evolved from Structural Integration work in response to her discovery that unresolved scar tissue can impede client movement patterns.
I specialise in female pelvic scars eg cesarean and in Scarwork after breast cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
A scar can be treated as soon as a surgeon has done his post-operative check up and has signed you off. The scar should not be weeping, open, infected or red and inflamed.
The wound is still healing and undergoing a repair process and intervention too soon would disturb this vital stage.
If a scar is painful I will start working where there is no pain, which may be as far as 10cm away. Then I will work towards the scar from all directions and once the surrounding area has softened I can come closer to the scar if you feel ready. I will ask for feedback regularly to be sure there is no pain.
Pain felt elsewhere in the body can be linked to scar tissue. Therefore resolving the scar tissue can give benefits to the whole body. This is explained in more detail on the Structural Integration page of this website.
As in all my bodywork therapy sessions, when we meet for the first time we will discuss your medical history with reference to your scarring story. Together we will observe tissue movement and palpate the scarred area before treatment. If you are happy to take photos it’s good to take before and after shots so that you can verify the changes. Then I proceed to work on the surrounding area moving towards the scar using a variety of techniques depending on scar texture. The first session is 75 minutes and subsequent sessions are usually an hour.
This will depend on the several factors. The age, sensitivity and the complexity of the surgery you had all influence how long it will take to reintegrate the scar tissue. When I know your medical history I can give you a more specific answer. Most people will experience significant improvement after 3 or 4 sessions. However, reconstructive surgery scars may need periodic treatment to maintain the benefits.