Scarwork

ScarWork is a light touch approach to integrate scar tissue into the fascial network. It was created by Sharon Wheeler (a Rolfer from the US) and uses a specific gentle techniques to help with the look and feel of scars. It can help to reduces the pull of the scar in the fascial network that can be felt across the body.

Scars from any source (surgery, keyhole surgery, or trauma) may look very neat at the surface, but the tension created by the scar tissues spreads throughout the body, and the longer it has existed the greater the pull on the body and possible adaptations in the body.

The surface of the scar may look nice and neat (part of the reason why keyhole is so popular as it leaves a tiny scar) but still damage being created inside the body as instruments travel into the soft tissue.

 FAQ’s

How long do I wait?
If you have just had surgery, then at least six weeks, but you will need to be given the all clear by your surgeon. Ask if it is ok to have massage, if yes then ScarWork is ok as significantly more gentle than massage.

It’s years old, is it too late?
No, it is not too late. It just take a bit longer to fully integrate the scar,

What scars can be treated?
Pretty much all scars can be worked on. At the moment keloid scars do not seem to respond to these approaches, but Sharon Wheeler and other trained ScarWork therapists are working on new techniques to help. ScarWork has been very helpful with scars from:

  • Abdominal surgery
  • Abdominoplasty
  • Appendix removal
  • Breast augmentation
  • Caesarian section
  • Cancer surgery
  • Knee surgery
  • Keyhole surgeries
  • Mastectomy
  • Open heart surgery
  • Portacath and tube/drain sites
  • Road traffic accident
  • Spinal surgery
  • Childhood injury
  • Facial scars
  • Foot surgery
  • Gallbladder removal
  • Hip replacement
  • Hysterectomy

Does ScarWork hurt?
The techniques are very light touch and there is minimal discomfort.  If it is too painful then you are encouraged to say as there should not be any pain.  Techniques can be used to work around the scar tissue until discomfort of pain within the scar has eased.