Scar Therapy

Step 1 – Arrival & Consultation

A typical body massage session lasts for 60 minutes, treating specific areas with scarring and surrounding tissues.

The environment is important to the massage. The room will be warm and peaceful with careful consideration given to the lighting, soft music and aromas to add to the experience.

Prior to the first visit clients complete a consultation form online, where they are asked a number of questions concerning general well-being, injuries, surgery and medical conditions that the therapist should know about, in order to determine if there are any contra-indications (physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment).

The client is asked to undress ensuring their modesty is protected, at which point the therapist will leave the room and the client will be asked to lie on the treatment couch under a large sheet and blanket. During the session, the therapist will use the sheet to expose only those parts of the body to which treatment is being applied. No body part or area will be massaged without the client’s permission.

Step 2 – The Treatment

Massage balm is the most commonly used medium.

A good massage balm will nourish the skin, I prefer organic Shea Butter, it allows a free-flowing movement and it enables the hands to glide. The balm will be applied to the areas to be massaged ensuring good coverage. The therapist will begin the techniques by starting with the effleurage(stroking) technique to warm up the tissues before any techniques are applied. The therapist applies long, smooth strokes over the body, using gentle pressure to improve the flow of lymph and encourage relaxation.then specific scar massage techniques will be applied directly to the scarring.

Step 3 – The Aftercare

The therapist will finish the treatment and quietly check that the client is comfortable and offer a glass of water. The client will be asked to take their time getting up and the therapist will leave the room whilst the client gets dressed. On the therapist re-entering the room the client and therapist will discuss how the treatment went and the therapist will give after-care advice.

There are certain characteristics of scars which would benefit from Scar Massage therapy;

Tethering – scar mobilisation may loosen scars, which are firmly attached to underlying or surrounding tissues

Pain, hypersensitivity and itch– scar massage may improve such troublesome symptoms

Tightness – soft tissue manipulation may soften scars and increase pliability

Bulk– scar massage may help flatten certain bulky scars; nevertheless, keloid scars are unlikely to benefit

Scar Massage therapy can;

increase blood flow

hormonal release e.g. oxytocin

aid remodelling of the scar structure