ScarWork

Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork is a specialised manual treatment to help patients with scar tissue, fibrosis, adhesions and changes in tissue health following surgery and radiotherapy. Sharon Wheeler, an American therapist, developed these techniques over the last 40 years and now teaches around the world. Emma is recognised as a leading practitioner in ScarWork and was accredited in 2017 by Sharon Wheeler as a trainer in these techniques. For five years Emma taught more than 700 therapists these skills, before launching her own RESTORE courses in scar therapy in 2022.

ScarWork therapy concentrates on the underlying layers of the scar, stimulating the fascia and any adhesions from the scar. Treatments help to mobilise and soften thicker tissue in scars from surgeries or accidents. Usually the scar will feel softer, smoother and looser after treatment. ScarWork treatment is rarely painful. Treatment is always given within the client's comfort levels. Usually clients notice changes incrementally each session. We can still treat your scar even if it is decades old...your body is constantly renewing cells, so even old scar tissue can respond to stimulation with ScarWork therapy.

ScarWork has around 30 techniques to treat a range of presentation of scar tissue, after a surgery or accident creates a scar. So it won't matter if your scar feels thick and lumpy, or tight and puckered, or feels like a gap of spongy tissue - we will have a technique adapted to help stimulate improvement.  ScarWork treatment gently progresses through the layers of tissue from the upper levels of the skin, deep into the fascia and muscles at the speed that is right to help promote your recovery.

We believe if a client feels relaxed, their bodies will respond better to treatment. We need the cells to be in “renew and repair” mode. This often happens at rest or while we sleep, or relax, so avoiding pain and creating a calm environment all helps to make your treatment deliver the best results.

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How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed will vary depending on the severity of your condition and the goals you have for treatment. Many clients find that between 2-6 treatments are enough. Emma will usually combine ScarWork with other techniques and the mechanical devices if they are suitable to help achieve your goals.  Each appointment will usually bring an incremental improvement in the scar and surrounding area, creating more softness and reducing the restrictions caused by the thickening of the underlying tissues and any adhesions (sticking) between the layers of muscle, skin and adipose tissue.

Some clients looking for optimal recovery or with additional complications post surgery and radiation therapy may require a higher number of treatments. Clients with capsular contracture as a result of breast augmentation, or breast implants and radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery, may choose to have ongoing treatments every few months, to maintain comfort.

Can children have ScarWork?

ScarWork is a very gentle approach to scar management so it is a perfect treatment for children with scar tissue problems, such as tightness, adhesions and fibrosis (thickening of the tissue). Children who have undergone surgery or have scars form accidents usually recover well, as they heal faster healing than adults. A well healed scar is flat and white, so if your child's scar is remains red beyond 18-24 months or has thickened raised tissue, or dips and pulls on movement, these are indicators they may benefit from some ScarWork.

Emma has treated babies from 3 months old. Children are usually happy to be treated - getting them to stay still is usually the biggest challenge! If you are considering booking an appointment for a child to come for treatment in Harley Street, contact Emma Holly info@restoretherapy.co.uk to discuss your requirements. Emma will then organise a shorter appointment for your child to attend, as these are not shown on the online booking system. Emma will usually show you or your child some techniques to use at home as well as signposting which creams, oils or gels may be best for scar healing.

Are you a therapist interested to learn how to deliver scar treatment?

Take a look at Restore Therapy Training at www.restoretherapy.co.uk and enrol on a course to bring these skills to your clinic.