Scar formation on the skin can occur as a result of different types of trauma:

• Surgical - Joint replacements, Ceaserain sections, heart disease or organ removal and associated drain sites.

• Cancer Treatments - Including tumour or organ removal, mastectomy, lumpectomy, TRAM or DIEP flap breast reconstructions and radiotherapy burns.

• Accidental Injury - Cuts, falls or brakes

• Burns

• Self harm

• As a result of a skin condition - Acne or strechmarks

  In some cases the healing process is problematic. This may be due to infection or re opening of the wound, keloid formation (the scar thickens and spreads outside of its original boarders), puckering, tissue over hang or surrounding tissue adhesions. The soft tissues in the body have intimate connections with each other. If there is tightness in one place, it may pull against another restricting joint mobility and resulting in pain, stiffness or a sense of tightness, itchiness or pulling. Scar tissue is ‘inferior’ tissue as it lacks the strength and flexibility normal tissue has.

  The aim of Scar Therapy is to help improve function and condition (and often the appearance) of the scar and surrounding tissue, helping to restore balance and function to the body as a whole.

  Scar tissue takes up to 2 yrs to fully mature but even if you have had the scar for many years, corrective changes are often possible. I recommend waiting until the scar is fully healed before having any hands on work done. This will probably be around 2 months after the scar occurred. Any stiches will be gone, the scar is dry with no signs of inflammation or infection (redness or swelling).

  I have written a blog post here on scar self care

  What To Expect

  The sessions are somewhat similar to a regular osteopathic treatment session but with a particular focus on the scar and effected area. A case history is taken. You will be asked questions about how your scar came to be, how it effects you and any problems you may be experienceing as a result of it. Some people feel emotionally at ease with their scar whilst others are not. There is space for you to express how you feel about it - or not - if you want.

  I will then examine the scar and the surrounding area noting how it has formed. *please note that you may be asked to remove some outer clothing so that I can see and palpate (feel) the effected tissue.

  The treatment involves hands on massage and gentle manipulation of the scar tissue and sometimes, depending on any more widespread involvement, some osteopathic style treatment to integrate the local changes made. Scar Therapy administered directly to a scar is a light and gentle approach and should not be painful.

  I may also provide you with some self care scar management tips to do at home.

  Usually a number of sessions is recommended and this will be discussed once the initial assessment has been made. Sometimes some ScarWork will just be encorporated into your regular osteopathic treatment session.

  Feel free to contact me if you have questions or are uncertain if this approach is suitable for you. Please note that my approach is primerally working with improving comfort and function and whilst there is often a good improvement in the look of a scar, I don’t specialise in cosmetics - acne scars or strech marks for example. I also have additional training in oncology massage and working hands on with people going through or post cancer treatment.