I found myself in January thinking again about a new therapy that had come to my attention in the summer of 2018 and last May 2019 at The Holistic Health Show and somehow seemed to keep popping into my head as I was so impressed and intrigued with it.
So, after a bit of deliberation, some research with the trainer and some positive conversations with therapists who had trained and were now practicing, I am very excited and pleased to tell you that I will be training in ScarWork therapy in March this year.
ScarWork in action
ScarWork is the brainchild of Sharon Wheeler from Seattle, US. Sharon has been training and teaching for over 40 years, during which time she has developed an approach which has only been available in the UK since 2014. ScarWork is a gentle, painless approach designed to assist with scar and adhesion problems after surgery/injury.
How it works
ScarWork is a series of techniques to assist with reconfiguring the soft tissue, normally reducing the adhesions left by 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. We do not yet understand fully how ScarWork works. Research is ongoing into the power of the light touch approach.
Everything in the body is connected by fascia; this means that if there is an issue in one part of the body, there is inevitably a cascading effect through the rest of the body, affecting function and structure.
“Consultant surgeons in my area are now starting to recommend ScarWork treatment post-operatively for their mastectomy and breast reconstruction patients.”
Emma Holly, International Therapist Magazine (Summer 2018)
Below: A mastectomy scar before and after ScarWork treatment
As the restrictions in the actual scar and/or the adhesions generated by the scarring free up during therapy, there is a consequent release of tension throughout the body.
This takes the strain off of joints, vertebrae, limbs etc and allows for a rebalancing in the body, normally improving posture and mobility. Releasing fascial restriction of nerves can assist in pain relief or restore feeling to numb areas.
It is not possible to restore correct balance and alignment to the body if there is a restriction in the tissues caused by severe injury and/or scarring.
For this reason, by focusing on the scars first; this allows for a more permanent result when addressing other physical problems. Further, the traumatic memory of injury/surgery often surfaces after ScarWork and this normally helps reduce internal stress level and improve your emotional balance.
“ This is a unique service. Feedback from patients has been fantastic”
Joan Follett, Nursing Services Manager, Rennie Grove Hospice Care
Where I go from here
My course is in Wigan 9-13 March. Once I have completed it I want to get as much practice in as I possibly can to gain experience and build a successful portfolio of work.
If you, or anyone you know, wish to be a case study for me and have your scar (old or new) worked on please do let me know.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks for reading
