ScarWork Therapy
ScarWork is a specialised, gentle manual therapy designed to improve the health, comfort, and function of scar tissue. Developed over 40 years by American therapist Sharon Wheeler, ScarWork focuses on softening adhesions, improving glide between layers of tissue, and restoring mobility to areas affected by surgery, injury, burns, or radiotherapy.
The treatment is always gentle and adapted to your personal comfort.
It works slowly and carefully through the layers of tissue, helping restricted areas soften, release, and move more naturally again.
Scars can have a greater impact on the body than most people realise.
During healing, the body creates scar tissue quickly to close and protect the area — but it doesn’t rebuild the organised layers of skin, fascia, and muscle that were there before. As a result, the layers under the skin can “stick” together. These adhesions can reduce mobility, pull on surrounding structures, compress nerves, or contribute to muscle imbalances and postural strain.
Over time, the body adapts to these restrictions.
This can lead to a chain of compensation patterns, increased tension in some areas, weakness in others, and reduced overall freedom of movement.
How ScarWork Therapy can Help
ScarWork aims to gently reverse these effects.
The work improves tissue health, softens adhesions, restores glide between the layers, and supports more natural function around the scarred area. Many clients also notice improvements in sensation, especially if numbness, hypersensitivity, or nerve-related discomfort has been present.
There can also be visual changes: scars may appear lighter, flatter, softer, or less raised as the tissue becomes healthier and more integrated.
ScarWork is suitable for many types of scars, including:
-
Abdominal surgery
-
C-section
-
Hip replacement
-
Knee surgery
-
Spinal surgery
-
Gallbladder removal
-
Breast surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy, DIEP flap)
-
Open-heart surgery
-
Facial scars
-
Burns
-
Road traffic injuries
-
Cancer surgery
-
Appendectomy
-
Hysterectomy
Certain scars should not be worked on — such as active keloid scars or areas with surgical mesh directly beneath the scar.
If you are unsure, it’s always best to check with your GP or consultant before treatment.
ScarWork offers gentle, effective support for restoring comfort, mobility, and function in tissue that has been through trauma or healing. It’s a quiet, attentive therapy that helps the body move more freely and feel more at ease.
Reasons to Book ScarWork Therapy
• Reduced mobility around a scar; Feeling tightness, pulling, or restriction when you move, stretch, twist, or bend.
• Discomfort, pain, or sensitivity in the scar area; Including numbness, tingling, hypersensitivity, or sharp sensations.
• A feeling of “pulling” or tension in surrounding muscles; When the scar affects posture, gait, or the way you move.
• Adhesions creating stiffness or restriction; Layers of tissue sticking together and limiting movement.
• Changes in movement after surgery or injury; Difficulty returning to normal activity because the area feels tight or “blocked.”
• Muscle imbalances or compensations; The body adapting around the scar, leading to tension or weakness elsewhere.
• Swelling or poor tissue glide; The area feeling thick, stuck, or heavy compared to surrounding tissue.
• Recovery after abdominal, breast, orthopedic, or cancer-related surgery; Supporting healing and helping the area feel more comfortable and functional.
• Scars that feel raised, lumpy, or rigid; Seeking softer, smoother, healthier tissue.
• Wanting to feel more connected and comfortable in your body after trauma or surgery; A gentle approach to easing both the physical and emotional impact of scarring.