Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork

Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork

Scar work is a relatively new field in terms of manual therapies. As a ScarWork therapist I work with all forms of scarring be it from surgery, accidents or burns. Unlike sports massage ScarWork is very superficial, using a very light touch to manipulate the scar, surrounding tissues and more importantly the layers of skin, fascia and muscle beneath the surface to improve mobility, improve sensation, pain and irritation are just some of the symptoms which dense scar tissue can produce.

ScarWork is the brain child of Sharon Wheeler who developed the array of ScarWork techniques which are used to integrate scar tissue into the fascia which we are enveloped in. All scars can be worked on with the exception of keloid scars. This is because there is not a great deal known about the reasons keloid scars can develop and the effect ScarWork can have on Keloid scar tissue. The other contraindications to ScarWork are open, infected, inflamed or weeping wounds. They also need to be at least 10 weeks old for me to be able to work on. If you are pregnant then it is advised that you wait until after you have given birth to seek help for your scars. Any surgeries which included the use of mesh are also contraindicated.

The treatment itself is very gentle so rarely causes any pain, even for new scars and most importantly the changes created with ScarWork are both profound, permanent and immediate. Although some visual changes can occur it is not the main function of the ScarWork, we want to return the tissue to as normal as possible and return function.

A typical ScarWork treatment will include an assessment of your scar and surrounding tissues to see where any restrictions or adhesions may be, followed by the use of the ScarWork techniques, not all of them will be used in every session, just the ones which are best suited to treat your scars needs. Then to finish of the session I will use some appropriate soft tissue therapy techniques to support the ScarWork’s treatment aims, for example if we have been working on a series of key hole scars on your knee we may then follow up with some massage work through your surrounding soft tissue.

A minimum of 6 sessions spread over one every two to three weeks with a review after each session to reflect on the improvements made and plan for the next session.

WHAT TO EXPECT

STEP ONE

If it is your first time visiting us then on your arrival you will have a form to complete to establish medical history, contact details, what your current exercise is and the reason for your visit. If you have been before then there is no need to fill out the form (unless your details have changed) instead we will have a chat and see how you are getting on and establish the reason for your appointment. Following this we will do any appropriate assessments which could include a postural assessment, gait analysis, range of motion and strength testing to see any areas which need some extra attention. As a soft tissue therapist I treat the body as a whole and not just focus in on the problem areas.

STEP TWO

Based on the findings of any assessment and from what we have talked about I will use my experience and knowledge to formulate a treatment plan which will then be carried out. During the treatment we will use a range of techniques which I will be happy to explain to you if you are interested! Its important to note that no two treatments will be the same, so don’t just expect a little rub, that is not what soft tissue therapy is about!

STEP THREE

Homecare advice. To finish up your session we will discuss any exercises, stretches or general advice on how best to maintain the improvements made in this session.