Scars are the result of the body’s natural healing process when deeper layers of the skin are damaged by cuts, burns, surgeries, or infections. Unlike normal skin, the tissue in a scar does not have the same structure, elasticity, or functionality.

 When the skin is injured, the body initiates a healing process to close the wound and restore its protective barrier. During this process, specialized cells called fibroblasts produce collagen to replace the damaged tissue but, unlike the collagen in normal, healthy skin where the collagen is arranged in a random cross-woven pattern; collagen fibres in scar tissue are aligned in small parallel bundles, making the scar tissue less elastic.

Often this scar tissue forms abnormal connections between adjacent tissues or organs, leading to adhesions. 

Here are some potential effects of having scars/adhesions and what you could experience:

1. Reduced Blood Flow

Scar tissue has fewer blood vessels than normal tissue, which limits circulation in the area. This reduced blood flow can impede proper oxygen and nutrient delivery to the scar area.

2. Reduced Lymphatic Flow

The lymphatic system, which helps remove waste and excess fluids, is less effective in scarred areas. This can lead to swelling or fluid buildup around the scar and reduced ability to fight infections in the region.

3. Distortion of Nerve Signals

Nerve regeneration in scar tissue is often incomplete or irregular, leading to loss of sensation, numbness, or tingling in and around the scar. Hypersensitivity or discomfort if nerves regenerate abnormally.

4. Sweat and Oil Secretion

Scar tissue lacks sweat glands and sebaceous (oil) glands; the area may become dry or less able to regulate temperature.

5. Elasticity

Scar tissue is less elastic than normal skin leading to restricted movement or flexibility in the affected area.

Adhesions can have varying effects depending on their location and the type of surgery.

Some example:

-       In a breast scar (Implant, Explant, or Cancer Surgery) we can experience pain or a pulling sensation around the scar and difficulty moving arms or shoulders due to tightness.

-       After a C-section adhesions can tether internal organs, causing chronic pain. Scar tissue may adhere the uterus or bladder to surrounding tissues, leading to complications. Severe adhesions may lead to intestinal blockages and can cause pain during intercourse.

-       In abdominal surgery adhesions are a leading cause of small bowel obstructions, tight or pulling sensations in the abdomen, worsened by movement or stretching.

-       After a hip replacement surgery, adhesions can restrict the movement of the hip joint by binding muscles or soft tissues around the surgical site, this can make it difficult to achieve a full range of motion. Adhesions can cause constant discomfort or pain due to tension between the scar tissue and surrounding structures.

In short, where there is a scar, there is a blockage (blood, lymph, nerve) so we need to undo what is blocked there allowing the body to work as nature intended. Undoing adhesions will allow the scar area to open up and restore normal circulation

I know that it sounds too simple, but that is often the way isn’t it?

When you come to me for help with scarring I will work on the scar as much as your body allows me to at each session and I will also teach you how to work on it at home (between sessions and then ongoingly)

With your daily self care massage the sessions with me and some “secrets” that I will share with you, we will do the magic together; everything will start to flow and you will gain more mobility in the area. I am confident in saying this because it has worked on my own scars and on the clients I am helping with theirs.

You can book your appointments here... I suggest you choose one of the packages because to be honest, one session is rarely enough to bring the body back to full flow.