ScarWork Therapy

ScarWork Therapy is a beneficial treatment approach for those who may be experiencing some of the following symptoms as a result of scarring:.

· Pain or discomfort

· Inflammation

· Restrictive movement & dysfunction

· Numbness

· Heightened sensitivity

Scars that can be treated are;

· Orthopaedic scars such as hip/knee replacements, arthroscopy, discectomy

· C-section & Epidural scars

· Reconstructive scars such as DIEP flap and breast reconstruction

· Burn scars

The purpose of ScarWork Therapy is to reduce the formation of disorganised collagen (which forms scars) following a surgical procedure. Remodelling the soft tissue structures promotes optimal healing and reduces the risk of complications associated with scarring. It is an effective treatment for both new and old scars to positively change the appearance, sensation, feel and in some cases relationship that you have with your scars.

Despite the many benefits of manual ScarWork it is often overlooked by health professionals during the assessment process with many scars being signed off once the wound has closed and there is no sign of infection or inflammation.

However, scar tissue results when the collagen fibres form over an injury site to help protect and strengthen the wound. These fibres are built up in a random pattern and are more fibrous and less malleable than the previous tissue. Adhesions sometimes occur where the scar tissue becomes stuck to adjacent and underlying tissue, causing a distortion of the surrounding layers.

Try grabbing the corner of your t-shirt and twisting it to form a knot. Now look at the pull of tension in the t-shirt through to the opposite shoulder. Imagine the knot is the scar and the tension is the distortion. This can cause complications to other areas of the body.

ScarWork Therapy is an effective treatment for both new and old scars and is used to positively change the appearance, sensation, feel and in some cases relationship that you have with your scars.

At the beginning of your appointment, one of our expert therapists will talk to you about your areas of concern. Following this, they will help you into the most comfortable position for you and your body. We know that scars can hold emotional trauma and when they seen or touched it can be uncomfortable. However, we aim to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible. Our ScarWork massage techniques are always gentle and our clinicians will use a range of gentle massage techniques to target your areas of concern, adjusting strokes and techniques bespoke to your needs.

Treatment around the scar can begin immediately to help nourish the scar and we can teach at home techniques as well as advise on the best products to use to help with this. Treatment on the actual scar may be from 6 weeks post surgery and have been signed off for treatment by your consultant/surgeon.

. Other contraindications may apply, including the below:

• Scars should not be open, infected, inflamed or weeping.
• ScarWork treatment should not start – until 10+ weeks post-surgery to allow time for the immediate post-surgical natural healing process to occur.
• Radiation therapy – we suggest you wait 3-6 months until settled before treatment commences.
• Mesh – we cannot work over an area where mesh has been used.
• Pregnancy – we are advised to not work on pregnant women.
• Keloid Scars – Keloid scars are a more serious form of excessive scarring, because they can grow indefinitely. Therefore, we are not allowed presently to work on Keloid scars with ScarWorks therapy until more research has been completed.

Have a really old scar? Scars take on different forms over the years so it’s never too late for ScarWork Therapy, whether your scar is new or old.

Unlike many other scar treatment and correction therapies, ScarWork Therapy is rarely painful, and the treatment is always delivered according to your own comfort levels. In fact, our clients often find it a relaxing and a therapeutic experience.

A course of 6 sessions has often been shown to achieve the best results. However, our clinicians will be able to advise you on how many sessions you need, determined by the size and sensation of your scar.

It isn’t necessary to wear any special clothing, but loose clothing that you can roll up or remove easily to allow our clinicians to access the scar area is helpful. During treatment you will be in a private clinic room.

ScarWork Therapy is currently available at our Newbury clinic, coming to more clinics near you soon.