ScarWork Therapy
Manchester-based practitioner Lily Lai, PhD talks about using ScarWork therapy, what benefits treatment can bring for your scars and some of the science around how ScarWork therapy and acupuncture can support scar recovery.
What Is scarwork THERAPY?
ScarWork is a set of specialised manual techniques developed by Sharon Wheeler in the US, designed to support scar recovery for patients affected by pain, tingling, numbness as well as restricted movement and mobility of surrounding areas. Whilst treatments can result in a more even scar with improved visual appearance, ScarWork patients tend to find the functional changes that they experience most beneficial and treatment can be effective whether your scar is 6 weeks or 30 years old. Most surgeons now recognise the importance of caring for your scar post-surgery which is a huge step in the right direction! However aftercare advice is not always consistent with many consultants and surgical teams lacking time to discuss this important aspect of recovery and as a result, many patients are left without the skills or confidence to look after their scars during this critical time.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM scarwork THERAPY?
ScarWork therapy can be used on scar tissue following many circumstances but Lily has particular experience in supporting patients with the following types of scars:
Open heart surgery scars
Mastectomy and lumpectomy scars
Breast re-construction scars (DIEP, TRAM)
C-section scars
Joint replacement scars
Drain and port scars
Abdominoplasty scars
Scars following accidents and sports injuries
Burn scars
“The change in my scar after just one session has been phenomenal. My flexibility has improved significantly and the tightness I was experiencing is so much more in the background which has allowed me to SLEEP properly for the first time in years. My only regret is that I didn’t find you four years ago!”
“Lily worked to get my diaphragm to open up so I could take a proper breath using my lungs rather than just raising my shoulders. The combination of all the techniques that were used to work on my tummy were fab. I enjoyed it and felt more ‘open’ and relaxed afterwards.”
HOW DOES SCARWORK WORK?
ScarWork therapy is a gentle form of manual therapy employing specialised massage techniques that work on the layers beneath the dermis as well as the fascia. As a highly trained acupuncturist, Lily frequently combines ScarWork alongside acupuncture where appropriate and has found the integration of the two much more effective by offering a range of combined benefits, including:
Mobilising underlying tissue
Softening dense tissue
Providing a more even appearance in terms of contour and colour of the scar
Stimulating and improving the functioning of the adjacent fascia
Reducing adhesions and improving mobility and flexibility
Improving blood circulation and supporting drainage from the affected tissues
Reducing sensitivity and improving sensory function in the area
Stimulating nerve receptors in the skin and underlying tissues to improve nerve functioning and reducing inflammation.
What happens during A SCARWORK AND ACUPUNCTURE SESSION?
Firstly, Lily carries out an in-depth health consultation which involves taking a full medical history and discussing the key concerns about your scar. Most patients that Lily treats have multiple scars and after assessing your scars, she will discuss a treatment plan with you that takes into account optimising the recovery for each of your scars. For some scars, acupuncture will be recommended in addition to ScarWork therapy and this will be incorporated within the same treatment session in parallel with one another.
During your treatment, ScarWork and Acupuncture will be carried out in the area surrounding your scar so you will be asked to remove clothing from the areas to enable Lily to access the scars. Your modesty will be respected at all times and any areas draped over with towels and blankets when not being actively treated. We recommend wearing loose and comfortable clothing such as a vest top, T-shirt or jogging bottoms or shorts that can be easily pulled up or removed.
SCARWORK
ScarWork therapy is an exceptionally gentle treatment and is not painful. Treatment initially works on the more superficial layers of the scar and surrounding areas and which is followed by techniques to access the deeper tissue layers and muscle. You will notice during the course of the treatment that Lily focuses on particular areas of tightness, rigidity or areas were dips/pulls are more evident. Prioritising these areas that are more affected will typically result in a better overall outcome for the health of the scar.
acupuncture for scars
When carrying out acupuncture treatment for scars, the areas to be needled are first cleaned with a pre-injection swab before the needles are placed. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than injection or syringe needles - about the thickness of a strand of hair - and because of this, it doesn’t feel the same as having an injection. And similar to ScarWork, treatment should not be painful. Lily has an exceptionally gentle needling technique and patients are often surprised to find that the sensation of the needles are quite pleasant, with most patients describing feelings of tingling, gentle pressure or a heaviness once needles are placed.
Once the acupuncture needles are in place, these will be left for between 15-30 minutes. Many patients describe feeling a deep sense of relaxation during this time and which lasts beyond the session itself. Afterwards, it’s recommended that you avoid doing too much so try to take it easy whether you are going back to work, or going straight home. Please avoid alcohol and caffeine immediately after the session and drink plenty of water.
All needles are single-use, pre-sterilised and are disposed of by the local clinical waste services.
GET IN TOUCH
To find out more about how ScarWork therapy and acupuncture can help with your scar recovery, please get in touch with Lily today!