What are scars?
Many people have scars. We don't think about them most of the time. Some scars however, whether from surgical intervention or as the result of an accident or wound, continue to hurt, cause numbness, drag, pull or affect us in the way we move or even emotionally at times. It is estimated that over 50% of post surgical patients will experience scar-related complications. (1)
Scar Tissue Treatment
A scar or cicatrix is the fibrous replacement tissue that is laid down following injury or disease. It is formed as the body's natural response to trauma when the skin is pierced/cut. When the body begins the repair process, it lays down collagen. During this process, the collagen can end up as a thickened, fibrous mass which can affect the circulation of blood and lymph and can even affect someone's range of motion.
Scars are not obligated to be problematic. Problematic scaring following planned or unplanned trauma can be accompanied by serious physiological, and psychological issues,
If you know someone who has had a mastectomy operation, often afterwards, they have great difficulty in raising their arm above their head, even after the scar has healed. In severe cases, these thickened masses are referred to as adhesions and at times people are offered further surgery to remove them. That is why, the sooner a scar is treated, the better.
This results in a thickened, fibrous mass – anyone with a scar can tell you how tight the skin can feel. This can impede movement, and proper circulation of blood, congest lymph flow, and impact on range of motion.
I have training in 4 types of scar techniques, but my favourite and oh-so-gentle is :
McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release MSTR®
I am an approved MSTR practitioner. MSTR is a myofascial technique, designed to gently and effectively release restricted scars and scar tissue at a pace to suit you. MSTR® permanently releases the scar tissue restrictions, although the extent to which this can be achieved varies with each client. As such it can have a profound effect on knock-on physical factors such as pain, posture and tendency to injury, as well as on the mental and emotional issues which can be linked to scars and the events that caused them. It is a highly flexible technique that can be effective for the majority of scars no matter how old.
WHAT DOES A SESSION INVOLVE?
This technique is very light and to your comfort. It consists of precise small moves over the area of the scar. You only need to allow me access to the scar. There is no need to disrobe. MSTR® is an innovative, pain-free natural method of helping you with your scars. Gentle, finger-tip pressure is applied to the area to help free the restrictions in the scar. No force is involved and the work is always applied within your tolerance.
Client Testimonial for scar tissue release post double mastectomy
"I actually thought having breast cancer, twice, would be the worst thing or even the chemotherapy, but it's the scars that remind you every day of what you have been through. Constantly feeling the pulling every time you stretch or reach out for something. It's like someone tapping you on the shoulder and saying 'Remember you had cancer and it was cut out of you!'
When Fiona suggested scar release I was not keen. The idea of someone pressing on my scars made me feel queasy. I agreed because next year I'm sixty and I promised myself in my 59th year I would try new things to help my wellness.
The first session was exactly what I thought it would be, I felt queasy even though Fiona was touching me so very gently. I think if I hadn't felt so safe with Fiona I would have not carried on, but oh my gosh I am so glad I did. Every session got easier and I noticed I touched my scars much more than I had previously, they felt just like any other flesh on my body. At pilates and swimming, I noticed how much freer my scars felt, the skin around them moved with me.
Another 'wellness in my 60s' crossed off my list. I will always have the physical scars of my cancers, but I only noticed them when I glimpse them in the mirror and they have even softened in colour since the scar release too."
Name supplied if you wish to speak to her please contact me
Happy lady with mastectomy scars
“Scar Tissue: The effects of post-surgical scars on the human body cannot be underestimated. According to researchers Karel Lewit MD and Sarka Olsanka: ‘If the scar is…untreated, it may be the cause of therapeutic failure and recurrence.”
What type of scars is suitable for MSTR Scar Tissue Release?
The McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release® is suitable for a variety of scars, including post-surgical scars as well as scars from accidents or injuries. Here are a few examples:
Appendix, or Gall bladder surgery
C-section
Mastectomy
Lumpectomy
Hysterectomy
Joint replacement scars (knee, hip, etc)
Burn scars
Trauma wounds
Facial scars
Muscle tears
Diamond M (2012) Scars and adhesions panel. Third international fascia Research congress, Vancouver