What is a Scar?
Scars are a result of trauma whether it is planned through surgery or unplanned through accidents. Scar tissue tissue is less functional. As your body heals after your surgery, scar tissue forms. Scar tissue is fibrotic, less stretchy and less mobile. Adhesions may form, sticking together layers under the skin. Scars affect the whole body not just physically but emotionally too. The body holds trauma and this is often held within the scar tissue.
What is Scar Therapy and how does The Sussex Scar Clinic work?
Scar Therapy is a non-invasive manual therapy that has been developed to treat scar tissue, fibrosis and adhesions. Using specialist scar massage techniques and fascial release and selfcare advice to promote healthy recovery.
The RESTORE Scar Therapy Method Holistic recovery scar massage self-care physical emotional fascial restrictions adhesions. Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork focuses on the integration of scar tissue into the fascial web of the whole body.
Here, at The Scar Clinic Sussex I combine both approaches alongside my Osteopathic Clinical experience and provide you with a holistic, in-depth treatment to integrate your scar with your musculoskeletal system. I will provide you with support during your scar journey in treatment and some exercises to do at home to reach our treatment outcomes together.
How can scar therapy help?
Reduce common symptoms, such as numbness, pain and sensitivity, and any associated pain (such as hip and back pain).
Stimulate change to scar tissue on the skin surface, and to adhesions or fibrosis in the underlying tissue.
Promote cosmetic improvements.
After a C-section Scar Therapy treatment there may be a reduction of a ‘pouch’ or ‘overhang’ due to tight tissue and adhesion release.
What happens during an appointment?
During your initial consultation, we will talk through you, your history, your scar and any symptoms. We will fully assess your scar and associated joints. Using this information we will make a treatment plan specifically designed for you to make the most positive change in your scar. We will then use a range of treatment techniques to treat the scar alongside any homework and exercises to continue at home.
What if I want to stop during treatment?
You are in control of the treatment- ALWAYS. I will thoroughly explain what my intentions are with every technique so you are fully informed.
What should I expect after Scar therapy?
You may experience tiredness, lightness, cramping, tingling. You need to listen to your body and rest where necessary. Go gentle on exercise for the next day or so.
How many treatments will I need?
Normally, a course of treatment is recommended, but a single session and self-care advice for you to follow at home can be helpful.
How old does a scar have to be?
Scars can be worked on from any age providing it has healed (normally 6-8 weeks post surgery).
Is there a minimum age for scar work?
Scars can be worked on providing they are fully healed. Scar work can be performed on children too.
Can you get rid of my scar?
In short, No. We can not remove your scar. The aim of Scar Therapy is to make your scar more mobile, flatten your scar, cause less redness, itching, pulling or tugging in the area of your scar.
Can you work on any scar?
Scars including hypertrophic (raised), atrophic (dented), burns and keloid scars have been shown to have improvements. Every scar is different and every scar responds differently.