Why have Scar Massage?
Scarring forms as the result of injury to the body – whether due to physical trauma or reconstructive/corrective surgery.
During the healing process, scar tissue is formed to close a wound site as quickly as possible. However, the thick, rigid tissue that forms is known to reduce the range of motion at the site of the scar and in the surrounding muscles and joints, and may also affect your ability to engage and strengthen those muscles. And as tension in one area often leads to the body developing compensatory movement patterns, this can lead to tension and/or dysfunction in other areas of the body.
Scar Massage can help to reduce this scar tissue build-up and promote a flatter, softer, more mobile scar, and therefore enable better movement throughout the whole body. It can also reduce the appearance of scar tissue. As a result, it not only has physical benefits – including improved mobility and reduced tension in specific areas – but it can also improve your relationship and connection to your body, helping address any associated trauma or negative feelings that may be associated with your scar(s).
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If you’re recovering from an injury, investigative surgery, or any other form of operation, we can help with your recovery.
Scarring doesn’t just sit on the skin, it also affects deeper tissue and creates underlying adhesions (which may feel like knots). Chances are that if you have a scar, it could be affecting more than you realise under the surface.
Scar Massage can improve the appearance of scar tissue, no matter how old the scar is. Regular massage encourages the growth of collagen, to increase the flexibility of the scar and the muscles beneath. We can also help to restore full sensation to the scar and surrounding skin, and reduce any feelings of pain, itching, or general discomfort.
Ten’s Scar Massage Therapists have undergone additional expert training in scar-specific massage techniques. This training covers working with both immature (less than 2 years old) and mature scars (2+ years old), as well as various scar types across the whole body – including scars following injury, open and keyhole surgeries, and burns.
Is Scar Massage right for me?
If you have a scar, then your body is experiencing an ongoing healing journey whether you recognise any symptoms or not. Trapped nerves and irritated scar tissue can cause long-term discomfort and sensitivity. We use gentle, non-invasive techniques to reduce pain and restore normal sensation. From 6 weeks to many years along the line, your scar will still respond to treatment, leaving you feeling more in tune with your body and able to fully reconnect and utilise any affected tissue. Many surgeons will recommend Scar Massage to stimulate and boost healing, and to minimise any long-term complications.
What is Scar Massage like?
Treatment is rarely painful and is always given within your comfort levels. Usually, you will notice changes incrementally after each session.
Remember that we’re not just treating the scar itself – any tension and restriction will influence surrounding and deeper tissue, potentially altering your body’s biomechanics (the way you move). So movement and mobility of the whole body will be assessed and treated, as well as the tissue directly around the scar.
If you’re hesitant about hands-on work to your scar, we have a variety of tools that will desensitise the area and can stimulate benefits without needing to touch the scar until you’re ready.
How does Scar Massage work?
Scar Massage techniques work to mobilise and soften the scar, as well as the layers of skin, connective tissue, and muscle beneath.
Overall, hands-on treatment will help to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage to encourage the delivery of blood flow and healing nutrients to the area. This will encourage regeneration and remodelling of scar tissue.
Scar Massage sessions are completely tailored to your needs as a patient, started by a thorough 60-minute initial session which will provide an in-depth screening process and a gentle introduction to Scar Massage techniques.
How often should I have it?
There are a lot of factors that will influence how quickly you react to treatments, but it’s important to note that healing is an ongoing process as the tissue reaches different stages of development.
Newer scars (under 1 year old) respond brilliantly to shorter, frequent sessions. Older scars and residual altered movement patterns respond better to longer sessions with longer intervals between to allow the body to adapt and remodel.
| Maturity of Scar | Rec. Session Length | Rec. Session Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Newer (< 1 year) | 30 min – 60 min | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Older (> 1 year) | 60 min | Every 2-4 weeks |
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What type of scars can we treat?
Scar Massage will be effective for any type of scar tissue, but the most common we see are:
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– C-Section Scars
Scar Massage will not only address the appearance, healing, and tension of your C-Section scar, but also addresses any associated pain into the lower back, tension into the hip flexors, optimises the healing of the core and abdominal wall, and will offer you some relief from tension into the upper back and shoulders. While all of this is hugely beneficial, another key factor for massage therapy post c-section is aiding in relaxation, releasing those feel-good hormones, and allowing you to take some time for yourself!
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– Replacement Surgeries
If you’re recovering from an injury, investigative surgery, or any other form of operation, we can help with your recovery – whether you’ve had a knee or hip replacement, an ACL reconstruction, or anything in between – Scar Massage can improve the overall healing of your scar, reduce any puckering or pulling, ease any pain or tenderness, and help your scar become smoother and flatter and more mobile.
Additionally, the massage will help you tune into your body, piecing together where certain aches and pains are coming from, and help restore full range of movement and strength in any affected area post-surgery.
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– Breast Cancer Scars
We can also help with recovery from cancer-related surgeries. With clearance from your consultant, we can ease the process of getting your body back to feeling like your own.
Post mastectomy, we can help to address any restriction you may be feeling within the chest, shoulders, and upper back. Scar Massage will increase lymphatic flow and drainage, reducing any swelling or risk of lymphedema.
We understand this may be a difficult process, so our therapists are here to work within your comfort zone to help you recover not only physically, but to build a positive relationship with your post-surgery scarring.
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– Laparoscopy / Arthroscopy
No matter the size of the scar, no matter the location, without treatment it will be creating tension in the skin and underlying muscles. As scars form, they pull in all the nearby tissue to close that wound site – this, as you can imagine, causes a whole chain reaction of tension. You may find these localised scars are quite tender and get aggravated easily, or you simply want to reduce the appearance to feel more confident in yourself. We’re here to aid both!
This is by no means an extensive list. Other common scarring we treat includes hysterectomies, appendicostomies, coronary artery bypass surgery, cholecystectomy, and even burns.
If you’re unsure on whether we can help, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.