Gentle Scar Therapy
What Is Gentle Scar Therapy?
Whether accidental or planned, General Scar Therapy addresses scars caused by a variety of factors, including accidents, injuries, surgeries, burns, and other types of trauma. This includes a wide range of scars, such as those from dog bites, mole removals, road traffic accidents, joint replacements, surgical procedures, and burn injuries sites and graft sites.
By focusing on the specific needs of each scar, clients often report noticeable improvements, including softer scar tissue, reduced localised pain, decreased restrictions, increased mobility, and an overall improved appearance of the scar and its surrounding area.
How does it work?
The Gentle Scar Therapy practices used in my clinic are distinct from traditional massage techniques. Depending on what is presented to me , I may call upon pumping techniques to decongest or calm an area; stroking techniques on areas of numbness and disconnect and specialist stretching techniques on tight and puckered sites. I’m also able to treat hypertrophic and keloid scars, mesh, implants and areas containing metal work.
This pain-free approach aids in:
- Integrating Scar Tissue: Encouraging the scar to blend with healthy tissue.
- Manipulating Adhesions: To reduce puckering, pulling and tension and help alleviate issues such as bowel restrictions and endometriosis-related pain.
- Hydration and Fluid Exchange: Promoting moisture at the scar site for a reduction in collagen laydown and better healing.
- Reducing Lumps and Dips: Addressing uneven areas to create a smoother surface.
- Enhancing Movement: Facilitating mobility through the fascial network affected by tight scars.
Reduce Pain and Discomfort
Scar therapy can significantly reduce pain from issues like trapped nerves, delayed healing, or adhesions, especially after abdominal surgery. This helps improve comfort, ease bowel movements, and promote a smoother return to daily activities.
Improve Mobility
Scar tissue and adhesions can restrict movement. Our treatments aim to change to consistency of adhesions (they can’t be broken down) and promote flexibility, enhancing your overall range of motion.
Enhance Scar Appearance
By addressing the issues surrounding your scar, you can experience a visible improvement in the colour, texture, and overall look of your scars and surrounding tissue, helping you feel more confident in your skin.
Restore Sensation
Many people with scars experience numbness or altered sensation. Our therapies focus on restoring normal sensation in affected areas, promoting a better connection with your body.
Boosts Emotional Wellbeing
Healing physical scars can promote emotional healing. Through therapeutic touch, we improve the appearance and discomfort of your scars, boosting self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
Supports Post-Op Recovery
Scar therapy plays a crucial role in post-operative care, assisting in lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling, which in turn should minimise the development of adhesions and excessive scar tissue formation.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required varies on its age, size number of scars, the challenges we face, how you respond and what your goals are, for example.
Generally speaking, we normally see a change within about 4 sessions. When the scar is new I like to offer 3 or 4 treatments close together and then another a couple of months later and another a few months after that. By doing it this way we have a better chance at reducing excessive scar tissue laydown, the formation of adhesions and preventing other issues.
When can I start Scar Therapy Treatment?
Scar Therapy can start in as little as 6-8 weeks post surgery subject to certain conditions. The wound needs to be healed and sealed, with no scabs, stitches/staples and showing no signs of infection (locally or systematically) or weeping.
I do not treat in between radiotherapy sessions and must wait a minimum of two weeks after the last bout of radiotherapy is completed before considering Scar Therapy.
If you are under consultant care, I will want to write to your consultant to confirm Scar Therapy can commence.
About me…
As a Remedial Massage Therapist for over 20 years, and with first hand personal experience of scars, as a result of both injury and surgery, I truly understand the long-lasting effects they can have – physically and emotionally.
I have found that many clients receive little, ill-informed or no aftercare when it comes to their scar. They often feel alone and left to put up with their symptoms.
I am here to help change that and give my clients a brighter future.
I’m here to help.
We’re in this together.
My clinic is a friendly and welcoming space where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns and progress. With a focus on compassionate care and effective techniques, you can trust that you’re in good hands. Together, we’ll work to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.