Restore Scar Therapy
Restore Scar Therapy is a gentle and non-invasive type of physical therapy developed to treat scar tissue, fibrosis and adhesions following surgery or injury. Specialist scar massage, fascial release techniques and other therapy tools are used with advice given on self-care to promote healthy recovery of tissues.
Scar tissue forms after surgery or injury as the body attempts to repair itself. This tissue is more fibrous and is different structurally than healthy tissue. Sometimes adhesions form, this is where tissues can stick together, which can have an impact on the surrounding connective tissue, limiting range of movement and mobility. Nerves can also be affected causing numbness, sensitivity or pain.
Scar Therapy can help create better movement between skin, connective tissue (or fascia) and the underlying muscles. A scar is encouraged to integrate with healthy surrounding tissue - firm, tight areas are softened, ridges and dips levelled out, hydration and fluid exchange in the tissues enhanced.
Benefits of Scar Therapy are...
- softening of the scar and surrounding area
- reduction of pain and sensitivity caused by irritation and restricted nerves
- restoring sensation to numb areas
- stimulating change to scar tissue on the skin surface, and fibrosis or adhesions in the underlying tissue
- improvement of mobility and function where a scar causes restriction
- promotion of functional and cosmetic changes
- support for emotional well-being through therapeutic touch
Results vary, and early treatment is advised for best cosmetic improvements. For more recent scars, healing can be stimulated and, as the scar matures, fibrosis can be softened.
However, it's never too late and old, long-term scars can also benefit. As the body continuously renews cells, older scars can still improve with the right stimulation. A scar cannot be made to disappear entirely, but Scar Therapy can instigate textural changes, surrounding tissue can become more supple and appearance may be improved.
A course of treatment is recommended, although a single session along with some self-care advice for you to use at home can be helpful too.
How many sessions you may require depends on many factors such age and site of scar, how it formed, symptoms you are experiencing etc.
Restore Scar Therapy is gentle, should always be within your comfort levels and most clients generally report feeling relaxed at the end of a treatment, with sensations of lightness and mobility.
Almost any type of scar can benefit from Scar Therapy from an accident, injury or burn to minor surgery.
Some examples include...
- cancer surgery - lumpectomy, mastectomy, DIEP flap
- caesarian section, keyhole surgery for endometriosis, hysterectomy
- appendectomy, bowel surgery
- hip and knee replacements
- injuries from accidents
- foot and ankle surgery
- tummy tucks and breast augmentation
Following treatment of cancer, radiotherapy can cause fibrosis of tissues and, combined with issues with surgical scars, may contribute to slowing lymphatic flow. Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Scar Therapy fit very well together and in combination can be useful in the treatment and resolution of lymphoedema.
If you are still under the care of a consultant for any surgery, a letter of authorisation for scar work massage to commence may be required. Please feel free to contact me for advice or you may wish to speak to your surgeon if you are concerned about suitability of the treatment.