Here’s a bit of science, to help you make sense of BoneWork. bones form the overall framework of our bodies, giving us shape, support, movement and protection. We tend to think of bones as hard, dry and unyielding, as described in the song, ‘dem bones”. This is true of dead bones, most familiar to meat eaters and dog owners. However, living bone is somewhat different. It has a blood supply, a nerve supply and comprises 30 % collagen, which makes it [...]
The therapist surrounds the bone being treated with a snug hold, applying equal pressure on all sides. This is low to medium-level pressure and should feel comfortable and relaxing. You may even drop off to sleep during treatment. If you experience pain or feel that the pressure is uneven, you should tell your therapist immediately, so that they can adjust their hold or pressure. After 10-30 seconds, the bone starts to move and change under the therapists hands and they will [...]
• Badly healed fractures (including thosw with metal plates or pins) • Overgrown bone • Bone that has a lump after healing • Crooked bones • Bone distortions or twists, not due to fractures • Broken noses • Bunions • Joints that will not straighten after being broken.
ScarWork can treat: • Any painful or tight surgical scar, e.g. hip replacement, Caesarean section or breast surgery • Any injury which has left a scar, including cuts, burns and animal bites • Skin conditions which have left scarring, e.g. acne and chickenpox • Medical procedure sites, such as nerve block, lumbar puncture and laparoscopy • Women’s health issues following surgery, including incontinence, painful periods or pain during intercourse • Endometriosis • Childbirth-related trauma • Inflammatory digestive conditions, including irritable bowel [...]
Scarring is a normal part of healing after injury, surgery and sometimes infection and inflammation. Scars are formed to seal up wounds and protect the area from further damage. Because scar tissue is much tougher and less flexible than the original tissue, it remains relatively weak and, ironically, may be prone to reinjury. There are several different types of scars, some raised and lumpy, others tightly bound to the underlying tissue, creating a dip. Scars can be uncomfortable, impair your movement [...]
Scars hinder movement for two reasons: firstly, Scar fibres tend to run at right-angles to muscle fibres, which prevents the muscle from working properly. Secondly, they can cause tissue to stick to itself, rather like clingfilm. This sticking creates new tension and draglines throughout the body. (Try pulling your clothing down at the front and feel what happens at the back.) These stuck areas are known as adhesions and they increase the pressure placed on nerves, blood vessels, muscles, bones and [...]
Abdominal scarring and adhesions deserve a special mention, because they are common and can be particularly troublesome. They are difficult to diagnose, so can go undetected for many years. They occur as a result of trauma, bleeding, infection or surgery involving the abdomen, lower spine or pelvis. You will have abdominal scarring if you have had stomach or bowel surgery or gynaecological procedures, including Caesarean section, female sterilisation and hysterectomy. You are also likely to have abdominal scarring if you have [...]
In contrast with traditional scar tissue massage techniques, Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork is extremely gentle and should be painless. If your scar is numb, you may feel nothing at first. I use light strokes, gentle stretching and pulling to work out where your scar moves well and where it feels stuck. I will allow it to move as it wants to and then gently encourage new movements, to unstick and free up any restrictions and enable your body to move and function [...]
I understand that you may feel self-conscious about your scar and that there may be some unpleasant past experiences associated with it. It may also be painful and you may not want me to touch it straight away. For these reasons, I may treat other related areas of your body first, before working directly on your scar. I can give you more effective treatment if I work directly on your skin. However, if it feels more comfortable for you, I can [...]
Your first visit will be approximately 60 minutes. During this time, your massage therapist will take a full case history to assess your current health and any previous conditions or existing symptoms. A physical examination will take place, so it is best to bring a pair of shorts and, for ladies, a vest top or similar. This allows your therapist to see alignment of your hips, shoulders and spine. Privacy is always provided and if you are uncomfortable with any area [...]