For treatment of scar tissue, adhesions and the emotional processing of your trauma
Although I specialise in helping with recovery post breast cancer surgery, I am happy to help integrate any scar back into your body. To achieve this, I use Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork techniques and hands-on Myofascial Release.
I offer a holistic and individualised treatment approach.
I will assess your scar tissue, fascia and muscle changes and use light and gentle techniques to facilitate re-integration of the scar with the rest of your body.
What is the aim and how does it work?
The aim of ScarWork is to re-integrate scar tissue into the three dimensional fascial web.
Scar tissue quality changes; lumps, gaps, ridges, holes, bumps, knots, and strings in the tissue rapidly smooth out.
Scarwork helps restore function to fascia surrounding muscles, nerves, and internal organs.
It starts on the surface layers and goes deep, including any involved viscera (internal organs).
By reducing tightness and encouraging mobility between the layers of skin, fascia and muscle, range of movement can often improve.
Irritated scar tissue can be a factor for prolonged discomfort. Therapeutic touch may reduce pain and help normalise sensitivity.
Even though the work is very gentle, the cosmetic effect and the functional changes can be profound.
You can read some of Sharon’s case study examples which demonstrate the type of results that can be generated by treatment.
Helpful after surgery, including
- Mastectomy
- Reconstruction surgery
- Caesarean Section
- Hysterectomy
- Appendectomy
Symptoms of excessive scar tissue and adhesions
- Pain
- A “cotton wool” or “foggy” feeling around the scar
- Numbness
- A sense that the scarred area does not belong to the body
- A sense of dread at touching the scar
- ‘Valleys’, ‘ravines’ or ‘ridges’ where scar tissue is hardened
How old does a scar need to be?
Please enquire about Scar tissue therapy, however old the scar is.
I do not work directly on scars that are less than 12 weeks old, however work can still be done on the surrounding area to help the healing process.
I’m happy to say that old scars (even decades old) can be treated with great success! And old internal abdominal adhesions will respond too, relieving symptoms if you have any, several years after they first appeared.
What is a scar and what effects do they have on the body
Scar tissue is the body’s own mechanism for healing areas which have been physically cut or torn in the body. Scar tissue is thick connective tissue – fascia – which, for the most part, does a good job in ‘holding things together’ after injury or surgery.
Sometimes however, too much scar tissue may develop and it may pull on other areas. This can result in compression on surrounding nerves, blood vessels, organs. Restricted movement, pain or dysfunction may then develop.
Scar tissue can inadvertently adhere to surrounding structures. This can have a domino effect throughout the body, creating a pulling sensation from surrounding areas. Fascia surrounds and integrates with muscles, bone, tissues and organs, therefore any adhesion can have long term effects. For example, a C-section scar can lead to many years down the line a knee or hip problem or a painful back.
Scar tissue is most often caused by surgery or injury, but can also come about after inflammation (another natural healing process) which can cause problems if it goes on too long. Effects of scar tissue are internal as well as on the surface.
Trauma and processing of emotions
I can help you safely meet and process the emotional aspects of any trauma which may be associated with your scar. Life experiences which involve emotional distress can be stored as unprocessed constrictions in the body. This may manifest as pain or dissociation.
Embodied Processing is a technique we can use to help you safely meet and digest unprocessed life experience. We will create a safe space to focus on your direct bodily experience and the sensations and emotions that arise, removing the emotional charge from the stressful event and leaving you with less pain and greater emotional capacity.
Treatment plans post breast cancer surgery
I specialise in helping with recovery post breast cancer surgery. Clients often come to me with a feeling of “tightness” across the chest and around the ribcage. If you’ve had DIEP reconstructive surgery, this feeling often extends into the abdomen. Scar therapy can help loosen and release tight scar tissue to reduce this discomfort.
Also, importantly, gentle therapeutic touch can be a powerful way to aid emotional recovery and help accept changes after this type of surgery. I have completed many hours of training in relation to trauma, so I am well equipped to ‘hold space’ for you and guide you through your experience.
Treatment guidelines for post breast cancer surgery
I approach treatment for every client on an individual basis, however I offer the following as a guideline:
Treatment immediately after surgery
For clients immediately post surgery or within 2 years, treatments may be given closer together as the scar tissue is still immature and compensation patterns are less established. An initial treatment plan of 6 x weekly sessions is suggested with a recommendation to return after 6, 12 and 18 months as the scar tissue matures.
Treatment over 2 years after surgery
This plan would allow for your body to readjust to normal movement and address compensation patterns. As scar tissue releases, and range of movement improves, muscles will have to work harder and build strength in order to readapt to your new mobility.
For scar tissue problems that are over 2 years old, a suggested treatment plan may include scar therapy along side appropriate soft tissue treatment over 6 x fortnightly sessions, with a review at the end of this period.
Capsular contracture or treatment for reconstruction surgery
For clients with capsular contracture and for those who have had major muscles relocated following reconstruction surgery, ongoing appointments every 6 – 12 weeks may be recommended following the initial recommended weekly / fortnightly session plan. This will be discussed on an individual basis.
Complimentary Enquiry Call
Please book your FREE 15 minute Enquiry Call or email me if you have any questions.
Photo by Seyi Ariyo on Unsplash
Photo by rocknwool on Unsplash