Gentle Recovery

Dealing with physical scars from cancer treatments can be both emotionally and physically challenging, as they serve as reminders of past battles and can cause discomfort. However, scar tissue therapy can offer relief and numerous benefits.

DO YOU FEEL PAIN, DISCOMFORT, TIGHTNESS OR JUST NOT ‘QUITE RIGHT’ AFTER SURGERY OR RADIATION?

These sensations can be experienced even years after the incision or radiation has healed. These symptoms can be experienced at the site of the scar or in other parts of the body that may be considered unrelated. Scars can feel unsightly or be barely noticeable. However, a scar is far more than just a superficial mark on the surface of the body. Even those scars which are barely visible can cause issues underneath the skin including tightness, pain and dysfunction.

How does Scar Tissue Therapy Work?

I trained as a Physiotherapist originally and was taught to “break down” scar tissue with strong and often painful techniques, this sometimes had good outcomes but often not. These strong, friction-like techniques quite likely only serve to start up the inflammation process again and cause more scar tissue to form. When I studied there was not an understanding of the mysofascial system, and how it works to support all of the structures in the body, a beautiful web of connective tissue that allows the layers of tissue in the body to move smoothly over each other. Over more recent years this system of connective has become much better understood and it is in working gently and deeply in a pain-free way that we are finding much better and long-lasting benefits from Scar Tissue Therapy. Scar Tissue Therapy techniques work by integrating scar tissue into the underlying fascial web to improve the condition of the scar and surrounding tissues. Scar tissue therapy can help promote healing on your scar surface and reduce your adhesions (where the bodies tissues stick together) in the underlying tissues. I love working with people in this way and the results speak for themselves;

“I underwent treatment for breast cancer last year and attended India’s Scar Tissue Therapy Treatment as I had restricted movement in my arm due to the scar tissue. She provided treatment over 6 sessions and now I have a full range of movement in my arm. I thought I would have to live with the consequences of having had breast cancer but with the correct treatment, I’m no longer restricted with what I can do. I was skeptical at first but even after one session, there was some improvement! Thank you India”.

Benefits of Scar Tissue Therapy;

Release Tightness

Loosening and releasing tight scar tissue to reduce discomfort

Help Restricted Mobility

Reducing tightness and encouraging mobility between the layers of skin, fascia and muscle, can often improve your range of movement.

Reduce Sensitivity and Pain

Trapped nerves and irritated scar tissue can be a factor for prolonged discomfort. Therapeutic touch may reduce pain and help to normalise sensitivity

Stimulate and Boost Healing

Scar massage is often recommended by surgeons as a way to promote optimum scar healing after surgery and may minimise longer term complications. However, even scars that are many years old can benefit.

Support Emotional Wellbeing

Therapeutic touch can be a powerful way to aid emotional recovery and help you to reconnect with your changed or changing body. Empowering you with the tools for self-care of your scars. I teach techniques so that you can continue to support your scar healing in the comfort of your own home between your sessions.

What to Expect in a Scar Tissue Therapy Session;

You can expect a thorough history taking at your initial assessment then you will have around half an hour to three quarters of an hour of hands on therapy, the first techniques used are often with the therapists hands placed not directly on the scar and then gentle but more focused assessment and treatment of the scar(s) with a variety of techniques that support the scar tissue fibres to come back to a healthier alignment, I like to describe it as ‘supporting tissues to go home’.

Can Scar Tissue Therapy be Done Online?

Yes, although having hands on sessions are amazing and can have potentially a more therapeutic effect as we know that touch is incredibly powerful there are so many techniques that you can be taught online to start doing for yourself. A lot of scar tissue therapy is about the self-care between sessions.

Did you know…

“Of patients who undergo abdominal surgery, 93 percent develop abdominal adhesions”. Ward BC, Panitch A.

Abdominal adhesions: current and novel therapies. Journal of Surgical Research.

If you would like to find out more about how Scar Tissue Therapy could support your scar recovery please do reach out at mygentlerecovery@gmail.com or head to my website; www.gentlerecovery.co.uk