Discover how to use massage therapy to remove scars from your body. One such therapy is ScarWork™ which is a holistic directive to healing and improving the look and treatment of damaged tissue. Does massaging scars help? Read on to find out how using these techniques of integrating the fascia really work. Most noteworthy, therapists who specialize in ScarWork™ can achieve a thriving business through helping patients improve damaged scar tissue.
What is ScarWork™ massage therapy?
ScarWork™ therapy uses manual massage techniques that increase health and function of scar tissue. Sharon Wheeler made scar massage popular and created ScarWork™ as a special way of reconnecting scar tissue through reduced adhesion of underlying tissues.
Most noteworthy, she coined the name ScarWork™ which uses nineteen plus techniques to improve the function of tissue after trauma. Moreover, the result of ScarWork™ is usually permanent.
How do scars form?
Scars form naturally after an accident or surgery. Moreover, unlike common tissue before the alteration, the body processes a new type of tissue to close the wound. In contrast, after an altercation, the new scar tissue manufactures excess collagen so wounds stick together. As a result, the scar area holds less blood and lymph vessel, thus gaining additional strength, however, is less functional.
Also, a scar is formed when the dermis, which is the deep layer of skin, is damaged. Therefore, new collagen is formed to recover the damaged part and mend. The scar formed will then have a different quality and texture from the surrounding skin.
As a result, there are different types of scars formed. Most noteworthy, they are flat and pale and also, are raised when the body produces excessive amounts of collagen. These raised scars are called Hypertrophic or Keloid scars. Similarly, some of the scars are formed when the skin is rapidly stretched. Also, which are commonly known as stretch marks which grow during pregnancy.
Massage brings back feeling to the scar area
Most noteworthy, normal skin fiber looks like a basket weave formation while scar tissue magnified looks like a misaligned crosshatched formation. Likewise, the new scar may feel lumpy, tight, hardened, painful, and numb, which delays healing.
A ScarWork™ practitioner’s techniques can bring back feeling to the scar area. However, some scars will remain, but will become better integrated with surrounding tissue and become smooth to the touch. Hence, as one’s body heals, the underlying tissue forms fibrosis and alters the skin’s fibers.
Even the Egyptians practiced scar removal
Health care, as well as, scar removal, has been practiced since 5000 B.C. Egyptians were the first documented humans who studied healing. Even more, were meticulous caregivers of ones body.
Above all, early care was given to solve skin trauma by applying oils and herbs for bites, burns, and scars. Furthermore, many remedies have been discovered on written papyrus that gives instruction on ancient ways to care and heal skin.
Likewise, Egyptians were more concerned with the mobility and quick healing of a warrior’s body to physically compete in a brutal world. In contrast, in modern society and Hollywood beauty standards, scar remedies include the quickest and most pain free way to get instant results for looks. Above all, ScarWork™ revitalizes tissue by using modern techniques to improve scars.
What are some ScarWork™ practitioner techniques?
ScarWork™ techniques are considerably different than Sports Massage and other massage methods. Hence, the therapist uses dry hands with no oil, creams or lotions. Similarly, the touch is much lighter, feather-like, and more gentile than other massage techniques. Moreover, ScarWork™ is used together with other forms of bodywork like Rolfing, remedial, and fascial work. Techniques are used on older, as well as, new scar tissue with amazing results.
The therapist uses movement specially developed through training and successful methods to resolve underlying adhesions. Hence, clearing movement restrictions between tissues, organs, and muscle.
What are the benefits of ScarWork™?
Patients have reported changes in the condition of the scar (it may feel softer) and there is less localized pain. Also, results on restrictions and mobility can continue and clients notice improvements in the general appearance of the scar. Most noteworthy, these improvements and benefits are usually permanent with no regression.
Furthermore, after the first treatment, patient’s scars may not visually look better, however, their scars will feel softer, looser, and smoother. In contrast, a scar may amazingly look less noticeable after the first session.
How will ScarWork™ massage affect a scar?
ScarWork™ improves feeling and functionality in the scar and surrounding tissues, creating flexibility in the skin, fascia and muscle. Like any massage, these movements stimulate the circulation, lymphatic flow, and nervous system in the scar area to encourage renewed healing.
ScarWork™ treatment starts and progresses through upper tissue layers and into deep inner fascia at the clients speed to promote recovery. By relaxing the client, their body reacts better to treatment, and cells go into a repair and renew mode. Consequently, a calm patient and environment delivers better results for healing scars.
How is ScarWork™ different from traditional scar removal techniques?
Traditional removal techniques, take a lot of time to completely remove the scars on the body. Traditional approaches consist of laser therapies, radiotherapies, injections, and surgeries which are painful and expensive for the patient. Moreover, the healing is usually a slow and a gradual process.
By producing little pressure, ScarWork™ treatment is ideal for children and those who have extreme scars on their body. Furthermore, since most of the people are afraid to touch their scars, ScarWork™ is painless and even enjoyable. Also, the therapy plays a major role in attaining emotional power, energy, balance, and integration.
Working with scars is an art?
There are 19 plus separate ScarWork™ techniques used for integrating different qualities of scar tissue into the fascial web. In addition, as a ScarWork™ therapist, working with scars is an art. Practitioners will easily learn ScarWork™ techniques and benefit by providing these specialized services to clients.
ScarWork™ treatments explained
Scar massage treatments usually last as long as any other typical session. Moreover, unlike typical massage, scar massage begins at the scar location. Furthermore, the skilled practitioner feels the tissue to determine the amount of rigidity present in the scar and underlying derma.
Also, to heal, skin tissue realigns itself to the path of least resistance, thus solves the problem of closing the wound. Even more, amazingly, blood flow is reduce and skin bonds, however, the results is ugly and misaligned scaring.
Tips to remove scars through massage
- Do not massage until your wound is fully healed and has become a scar.
- If you massage your premature scar, it may lead to an infection and may reopen.
- Avoid massaging your scar until at least two weeks after the surgery or treatment.
- A letter of authorization from a physician for treatment is recommended.
What are some traditional ways scars can be improved?
Scar tissue breaks down through massage which then heals the body faster and eliminates the appearance of the scar.
- A scar should be massaged 10 – 15 minutes a day in the initial stages to cut down on friction.
- Apply vitamin E daily which will build collagen.
- After getting the skin soft with vitamin E, lightly stretch the skin from the scar. Repeat the process daily and gently.
Massage therapy improves the blood flow by providing a natural remedy of scar removal and improvement.
Does ScarWork™ treatment hurt?
Most noteworthy, ScarWork™ is not very painful and is even enjoyable to clients for tissue improvement. Hence, the therapy uses gentle light movement and is not uncomfortable. Also, practitioners work on scar areas using gentle movement that resembles blood circulation, which in turn, revitalizes tissue health. Above all, this very gentle treatment is even safe and suitable for children with sensitive scars. Even more, many patients fall asleep during this specialized massage that calms nerves and relaxes the body.
Do ScarWork™ treatments last?
As mentioned, changes to the fascia is usually permanent. Moreover, tightness in surrounding tissue is reduced to restore normal tissue function. Consequences of scars are deep rooted and affect more of the skins inner structure than the outer skin layer. Even more, ScarWork™ begins at the superficial level and moves through layers of tissue over time as the body adjusts with changes.
Multiple treatments will help scars to respond over time. In addition, treatment varies with each individual, as well as, bodywork from different ScarWork™ practitioners. This advanced therapy permanently improves sensitivity and feeling and the functionality of tissue. Long term treatment benefits increase blood flow, lymphatic, and nervous system stimulation speeding up healing and tissue optimization.
What are examples of scars that can be removed through massage?
- Abdominoplasty scar
- Bowel resection scar
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Re-construction
- C-Section
- Cancer Surgery
- Knee Surgery
- Mastectomy
- Open Heart Surgery
- Tube/Drain Site Scars
- Acute Accidents
- Spinal Surgery
- Facial Scars
- Foot Surgery
- Hip Replacement
- Hysterectomy Scars
- Gallbladder or Appendix Removal Scars
- Carcinoma and Melanoma removal Scars
- Childhood Scars
- Hair lip and Maxillofacial Surgery Scars
- Keyhole Scars
- Joint Replacement (knee, hip and shoulder)
- Hand, Arm, or Wrist Surgeries
- Lipoma Removal
- Tummy Tuck Scars
- Injuries Sustained from Road Accidents
- Burn Scars
- And more…
Can ScarWork™ treat burn scars?
ScarWork™ therapy is a blessing to those with burn scars. Most noteworthy, burn scars usually contain a larger surface area than traditional scars, thus needing continuous treatment to show improvement. Furthermore, these treatments help to revitalize upper layers of tissue and help with scar sensitivity and comfort level progression.
Can Burn Scars be revitalized?
How many treatments are needed for scar removal?
Treatments and sessions needed will vary depending on the severity of a client’s condition and goals. Success and improvement is sometimes recognized immediately. Also, creating more softness and reducing the thickening of underlying tissues is upmost worthy of any ScarWork™ treatment.
Moreover, optimal recovery from patients and clients with additional complications from post-surgery and radiation therapy, may need more care. Likewise, clients with capsular contracture from breast augmentation implants, and radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery, desire ongoing sessions for comfort. ScarWork™ is not a replacement for treating all scars. Above all, scars such as stretch marks and Keloid scars may not be properly treated or diminished.
Also, like any other normal massage therapy session, patients will let you know what they can expect, afford, and endure. All ScarWork™ patients are different along with their skin and scar types. Furthermore, success comes from the initial intake and SOAP form that provides a benchmark which to begin and analyze treatment. Hence, an experienced and knowledgeable ScarWork™ practitioner will help address specific problems a patient may have and need to resolve.
Most noteworthy, practitioners can manipulate scars to appear smaller, lighter, smoother, and less noticeable and painful. Amazingly, massaging scars through proper technique, resolves nerve impairment such as numbness, pain, and moreover, sensitivity.
Ways that ScarWork™ helps and benefits?
Release Tightness and local area – Scar therapy releases and loosens tight tissue to reduce discomfort beneficial on both new and old scar tissue.
Emotional Wellbeing Support – Therapeutic and gentle touch is a powerful way to aid emotional recovery and accept changes after surgery or an accident.
Reduces Sensitivity and Pain – Helps to reduce pain and normalizes sensitivity of pinched and trapped nerves.
Improves Appearance – With work and time, scars can be diminished and confidence restored in clients.
Where can you find a certified scar removal massage practitioner?
To find a massage therapist that works with scars is as easy as doing a Google search. Therapists who have trained and studied under Sharon Wheeler’s techniques use the name ScarWork™ for their methodology and are becoming more popular. Consequently, once you find a therapist that specializes in massage therapy, ask if they are a certified ScarWork™ practitioner.
Is demand for scar removal increasing?
Even more, along with C-section surgery, mastectomy surgery will increase with over 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in U.S. women in 2019. Likewise, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics, states there are over 17 million surgical cosmetic procedures performed every year.
There are a lot of scars in the world!
Vehicle accidents worldwide continue to happen, despite manufacturer’s research, improvements and technology to reduce injury. Even more, just in the United States alone, vehicle accident permanent injuries are over 2 million cases per year. Most noteworthy, are common joint replacement procedures in the United States that need post-operative scar removal work. As mentioned by CNN, younger Americans are now having joint replacement surgery.
Are you a therapist interested in learning ScarWork™?
In conclusion, being a relatively new massage therapy niche, the demand for Scarwork™ is increasing and evolving. Finally, to learn more about ScarWork™ therapists in your area, and also check out available courses for the licensed massage practitioner.