Scar Work

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 [...]