Does your scar bother you?
Most people can heal well after injury or surgery, but a few years ago I noticed I was seeing more women after a Caesarean with sensitivity and discomfort which was quite impactful. It might have been the limiting factor to their run or maybe they were guarding it and worrying as loved ones came close.
It’s rare for people to be given any advice on how to manage their scar (wherever it may be), the focus is on the immediate wound healing and avoiding infection. As the wound heals a fine line appears or in some cases there is an overgrowth of tissue. The process can take up to two years and most will fade but never completely disappear. Scar tissue tends to lay itself down in a slightly haphazard fashion and can often be tight and restricted. It’s a good idea to get any scar used to light touch and gentle massage when it's more robust. There’s not a lot of research, particularly into the more gentle treatments, for scar healing but clients often find massage, moisturising balms and sometimes silicone dressings to be helpful.
Some people find it difficult to look at or touch their scar, maybe they’re a bit squeamish or perhaps it’s the emotional aspect of what happened. I always encourage people to touch and connect with their scar, but if it’s too challenging I think this is where scar therapy is so helpful.
At the end of 2019 I trained in Sharon Wheelers Scarworks® as I was hearing people were having great results. Scarworks® is a series of gentle, painless techniques designed to assist with virtually all scars and adhesions after injury or surgery. It's not yet fully understood how it works (research is ongoing) but it appears the power of light touch is really helpful and most people find the sessions deeply relaxing. The theory is the techniques help reconfigure the soft tissue, reducing adhesions whilst increasing the flexibility and reducing its sensitivity so it can integrate better into the body system.
Here’s what a couple of clients had to say:
“I’ve been very aware since the scars session things feel different. The scar itself feels less sensitive. But the biggest thing is I feel less tethered. We talked about the long abdominal muscles and these feel more mobile and free since the session. Even my lower back somehow feels less tender. It’s as if I can stand straighter and in alignment”.
“I was a bit unsure about the scars sessions beforehand but have been blown away that this seemingly simple touch (I know it’s more complicated) has made such a difference. Even more than this I feel more connected to the scar. They are very emotive things and I didn’t realise how uncomfortable physically and emotionally the scar made me feel. It feels more superficial and integrated now. Previously it was almost a foreign entity. I am surprised and delighted”
If you would like more information about Scar Therapy please get in touch with me info@lizknowles.co.uk or book a Scarworks treatment on my website at www.lizknowles.co.uk and remember its never too late.
