ScarWork: Why Have It and What Is It?

Have you ever heard of Scarwork before?

The presence of scar tissue in the body – however big or small the outward appearance of the scar can affect the layers of tissues under the skin, causing tension and discomfort not only in the area of the scar, but it can also influence the way the whole body functions.

Why Have Scar Therapy?

Every year thousands of people undergo surgery or have serious accidents leaving them with scar tissue. For some people, their scar may leave them feeling tight or uncomfortable. Others may not notice any physical discomfort. However, they could still benefit from physical therapy as part of their rehabilitation, structural or soft tissue treatment.

ScarWork treatment is used to improve the health and feel of scars from surgery or accidents.

* Release Tightness

Scar therapy can help loosen and release tight scar tissue to reduce discomfort. Treatment can be beneficial on both new and old scar tissue

* Help Restricted Mobility

By reducing tightness and encouraging mobility between the layers of skin, fascia and muscle, range of movement can often improve

* Reduce Sensitivity and Pain

Trapped nerve endings and irritated scar tissue can be a factor for prolonged discomfort. Therapeutic touch may reduce pain and help to normalise sensitivity

* Stimulate and Boost Healing

Scar massage is often recommended by surgeons as a way to promote optimum scar healing after surgery. Plus minimise longer term complications

*Support Emotional Wellbeing

Therapeutic touch can be powerful way to aid emotional recovery. Whilst also helping you accept changes in your body after a surgery or accident

The body is a fascinating structure and we continue to learn its’ many secrets. One of the more recent anatomical discussions revolves around the importance of the structure called Fascia. And how it assists smooth and flexible movement. 

Lots of YouTube clips are now available to describe this amazing web that wraps around the tissues and organs of the body.

 
I have completed Sharon Wheeler’s Scarwork certification course. This method has a range of scar release techniques. I completed a specialist course in breast surgery scars in November 2018. Plus an advanced course for using Scarwork with musculo-skeletal issues such as joint replacement and spinal surgery in September 2019.

I see the ScarWork techniques as being fully complementary to my use of EMMETT Technique. As they are both gentle and light touch. If still under medical care, then it is essential to have the medical team approve gentle Scarwork as being suitable for each client. Working alongside the medical team is the best approach to ScarWork.

What Is ScarWork

ScarWork is the brainchild of Sharon Wheeler of Seattle, U.S.   Originally trained by Ida Rolf, Sharon has been a Rolfer for 40 years.  During this time she has developed an approach to working with scars that has only been available as a training in the UK since 2014. More than a series of techniques, ScarWork is an approach to reconfiguring the soft tissues, normally reducing the adhesions left by the scarring and improving the scar’s appearance. 

Adhesions connect structures that should not be connected; this can restrict mobility and organ function, and create pain.  Sharon teaches ScarWork around the world and it is becoming known as the scar therapy training of choice.  ScarWork is a gentle therapy, easy on the therapist and the client, employing the lightest of touch.  This may seem counter-intuitive as the old approach used to be one of ‘breaking down’ scar tissue, but the light touch is effective and painless.