For traumatic and surgical scars, fibrosis and adhesions as well as the emotional processing of your trauma
Scar Tissue Therapy can improve functional results after any keyhole or open surgeries or following injury and trauma.
Specialist scar massage and Myofascial Release techniques for scar tissue and fibrosis (including inter oral techniques for dental and facial surgery or injury) and to address underlying adhesions and fascial changes which occur as a result of tensional changes from scars.
Oncology Scar Specialist supporting oncology clients with scar tissue, fibrosis or adhesions and other common complications linked to cancer surgery and radiotherapy.
A holistic and individualised treatment approach.
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 Scar Tissue Therapy is to reintegrate 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.
Scar Tissue Therapy helps restore function.
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 light touch and gentle, the cosmetic effect and the functional changes can be profound.
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.
A series of treatment can start 6 – 14 weeks after surgery depending on healing time.
Scar Tissue Therapy can help both immature and maturing scars (within 2 years) and scars after maturation (any time after 2 years).
Complimentary Enquiry Call
Please book your FREE 15 minute Enquiry Call or email me if you have any questions.
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
Surgery can be traumatic whether it is planned or emergency. Also, where a diagnosis has been received, the emotional implications should not be ignored. 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 which may manifest as pain or dissociation.
Emotional Processing is a technique we can use to help you safely meet and digest any unprocessed life experience. The approach works by creating a safe space for you to focus on your direct bodily experience and the sensations and emotions that arise in relation to the issue at hand. We look to remove the emotional charge from the stressful event and leave 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.
Photos
Thick wool: Seyi Ariyo on Unsplash
Heart wool: rocknwool on Unsplash