Charlotte, North Carolina
ScarWork
Scar Tissue Massage Therapy
All tissue is good tissue. – Sharon Wheeler
What is ScarWork?
ScarWork is a gentle, painless, hands-on manual therapy developed by Structural Integration practitioner Sharon Wheeler, through which scars are re-integrated into the fascial web of wholeness. As Sharon Wheeler says, scar tissue is our body’s way of mending trauma, but it can sometimes overcompensate and pull on surrounding tissue, causing further complications like numbness, tightness, swelling, postural changes and more. ScarWork addresses these issues with gentle techniques that signal safety to the nervous system and integrate different qualities of scars into the web of surrounding tissue, first in the surface layers, and eventually deeper within the body. Lumps, gaps and other irregularities rapidly smooth out into the surrounding tissue, restoring a natural appearance and reducing swelling, tightness, pain, numbness, and sometimes other issues that may seem at first unrelated. ScarWork often results in whole-body integration shifts and can even aid in trauma resolution. The changes achieved in a session of ScarWork are permanent.
Who is ScarWork for?
ScarWork is practically for anyone needing scar tissue mobilization, but especially people that have had surgeries, traumatic injuries, inflammatory illness, burns, and more. Natural and surgical scars of any age respond immediately.
Cancer treatment scars, including radiation
Gender affirming scars
Cosmetic surgery scars
Abdominal scarring, including c-section, hysterectomies, and endometriosis
Traumatic Injury
Orthopedic surgeries, including shoulder, hip, and knee replacements
Inflammatory conditions, including osteo & psoriatic arthritis
Burns & roadrash
What to expect at a scar work therapy session
Just as each person is different, each scar is different and each treatment will be as well. The environment will be warm, calm and welcoming. Sessions are usually conducted with the client fully clothed, as long as the scar(s) to be treated are accessible. If any clothing needs to be removed, the client will be draped so that no sensitive areas are never exposed. Touch will be warm and gentle, and each technique is generally painless, though you may feel some stretching, slight burning or tingling in the area being worked as your tissues reintegrate.
Scar Massage Therapy FAQ
My scar is 5, 15, 30+ years old. Can ScarWork still help me?
Yes, ScarWork is equally effective no matter the age of the scar. Some of the most profound changes happen for individuals with older scar tissue.
How far out from surgery should my scars be?
Your scars should be at least 4-6 weeks post-op and/or cleared by your surgeon for massage. Your scars should not be producing fluid and all drains and stitches should be removed.
How is ScarWork different from other types of massage therapy?
ScarWork engages primarily with fascia and the more superficial tissues of the body, as opposed to muscles, like many traditional massages. Only the scar(s) and surrounding area will be worked on in the session, it is not a full-body treatment. It involves usually very small movements and sometimes long holds in a limited area, and typically no lotion or oils are applied.
Does scar tissue only affect the skin?
A scar is often more than just what is visible to the eye on the outside of the body. While ScarWork can improve the appearance of a scar, it is more than just a cosmetic approach. It also aims to reintegrate the disordered scar tissue into the greater webby matrix of the body.
What should I wear to my appointment?
In general, it is best to wear loose fitting clothing (i.e. not spandex). Please wear garments that allow for your scar and surrounding area to be easily accessible. For example, if we will be working on a shoulder surgery scar, a loose fitting tank top would be appropriate.
Contact Moon Massage
Have questions? Get in touch!
booking @ moonmassagetherapy.com
Address
3508 The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28205
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