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scar therapy

Scar Therapy

Treatment for scar tissue, fibrosis and adhesions to recover from trauma, surgery or burns.

Scar Therapy

Heal your scars by reducing tightness, appearance and discomfort

At Joana’s Bowen Therapy, we empathise with the significant physical and emotional impact that scars can have. Frequently, these scars serve as reminders of life events that may at times be associated with trauma.

With her experience as a Bowen therapist helping people move better and improve their overall posture and wellbeing, Joana understands that pain, discomfort and movement restrictions are not always felt at the source of the problem and are quite often caused by scar tissue and adhesions. It is with a combined set of skills that Joana plans and carries her treatments.

After surgery, trauma or injury, the body undergoes a healing process that results in the formation of scar tissue that is less mobile and functional. Adhesions may develop between layers under the skin, further impacting mobility and potentially altering your posture. 

Scar therapy is a gentle method aimed at addressing these dysfunctional tissue layers by releasing tightness and promoting blood and lymphatic flow. 
Therapy usually improves the appearance of the scar, your mobility, and in some cases helps you recover sensation on the scar and surrounding areas.
Scar therapy may also result in flattened and smoother scars that are less visible."

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Benefits

Scar therapy can effectively reduce the following symptoms related to your surgery or injury:

Pain, sensitivity, or numbness

Limited movement or tightness

Pulling or puckering 

Fibrous scar tissue or scar adhesions

Promote cosmetic improvements after surgery, trauma or burns

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"The scar on my glute from my hip replacement has really loosened and I can feel the difference when walking"

Scar Therapy

Treatment

Your initial session is usually 60 min and includes consultation, assessment and treatment. Joana will assess your movement; see how the scar restricts you or how it changes when you move and its impact on your overall posture and even function. Joana will then treat the scar using:

Non-invasive manual scar therapy (scar massage)
Special scar therapy tools if indicated (such as silicone soft cups to help “lift the scar”)
Bowen Therapy/other neuromuscular techniques (if indicated)


At the end of the treatment Joana will give you advice on self-massage to do at home to help speed up your recovery, including information on products and movement exercise. 

We offer treatment for all scars for men and women.

Some of the examples of types of scars that clients come for help are:
 

  • Abdominal scars such as from bowel surgery or C-sections

  • Keyhole surgeries

  • mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast augmentation

  • open heart surgery, orthopaedic scars

  • oral and facial surgery resulting scars

  • neck cancer scars

  • trauma or accident scars including burns and scalds

FAQ's

  • What should I wear?
    Treatment is usually done on skin, wearing undergarments, however it can also be done through light clothing. During treatment you will be covered with towels and, if necessary, a blanket. Clients are properly drapped at all times during the treatment. The patient is invited to lay down on a therapy table, however due to difficulties in mobility and other restrictions, some patients may also receive treatment on a chair.
  • How many sessions do I need?
    Most people will have responses within 1-4 sessions, when even long standing pain has been seen to be relieved in many clients. Some conditions might need to be treated more often, but in either case it is recommended that clients return for regular treatments every six to eight weeks to maintain optimum health.
  • Who can be treated?
    It is safe to use on anyone, men and women of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. It is also really beneficial for pregnant women and for those who are unable to receive more invasive or forceful treatments.
  • Aftercare?
    During the days following a Bowen session It is advised to drink plenty of water to hydrate your body. It is also important, especially on the day of the treatment to not stay uninterrupted in a sitting position longer than about 30 minutes at a time. Stay in touch with your therapist and return for additional treatments to maintain optimal health. It should be noted that receiving other manipulative therapies immediately following a Bowen session can undermine the effectiveness of the Bowen work. However, if this is not possible, please discuss it with Joana for more guidance. The Bowen Technique is not a substitute for medical advice. You should not stop any medication you have been prescribed unless your doctor tells you to do so. The Bowen Technique will not interfere with any medication you are taking.
  • How often should I come for a session?
    For a course of treatment with Bowen sessions, it is recommended to space them at a minimum of 5 days apart and not more than 10 days. However, it's essential to consider that the body undergoes continuous changes during pregnancy, potentially altering the treatment requirements. Some expectant mothers may initially opt for 1-2 sessions and subsequently return as needed, whenever their symptoms resurface, or when they require assistance to relax or improve their sleep.
  • I would like relief for my pain/symptoms but I have concerns of how the therapy may affect my baby.
    The good news is that Bowen treatment poses no contraindications, and it can actually benefit your baby. Joana's comprehensive approach aims to relax the muscles around the pelvis, which, in turn, creates more space for the baby. This can encourage optimal foetal positioning and potentially alleviate issues like acid reflux that mothers may be experiencing.
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Scar Therapy

Testimonials

Sophie
Neck and shoulder scar

Shoulder tension reduced and dropped down.

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