I am currently working with a client who has a scar following surgery to remove a tumour. The scar is 19 months old and we have been working on the scar regularly for 6 weeks.
Like many scars the appearance and texture varies across the length and breadth of the scar. During the most recent treatment we focussed on an area of the scar that is atrophic meaning it is dipped and sunken compared to the surrounding tissue. This also results in a resistance in the tissue above and below the border of the scar where this has occurred.
In addition to observing the appearance of the scar and how the tissue around the scar moved I also needed to feel the texture of this area to help me identify the best techniques to use. Within this area of the tissue I also noted a small ridge of tissue across the scar, it felt like a fine rope or twine that I could run my fingers over.
During the treatment I used techniques to work directly on the “rope” to minimise the texture and soften how this part of the scar feels. Around the sunken area of the scar I used techniques that focus on lifting the tissue. I love these techniques as they are so different to the majority of soft tissue techniques that focus on compressing tissue. Initially I use the palms of my hands to move the tissue together and lift and then add further movement to mobilise the tissue. Secondly, I used small facial cups to create a negative pressure around the scar.
During and after each session I check in with my client to see how the treatment feels. During the treatment my client reported that she is aware that I am working around the scar but it isn’t painful. After the treatment once dressed and moving she was pleased with how the tissue felt when she moved her shoulder reporting it felt freer and looser.
At the most recent treatment following a series of 6 treatments we reviewed the photographs together and discussed the impact of the treatment over time. My client reported that the most significant improvement is that she forgets her scar is there. She is able to sit against a chair without being conscious of her scar and is able to go to sleep lying on her back without being aware of her scar. Overall it feels much more comfortable due to reduced restrictiveness, tightness, itching and numbness.