Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork
Light touch work to assist with problem scars and adhesions
ScarWork in action
ScarWork is the brainchild of Sharon Wheeler from Seattle, US. Originally trained by Ida Rolf, Sharon has been training and teaching for over 40 years, during which time she has developed an approach which has only been available in the UK since 2014 when Jan first brought her to the UK to teach her ground-breaking work. ScarWork is a gentle, painless approach designed to assist with scar and adhesion problems after surgery/injury. Jan Trewartha was the first UK ScarWork teacher to be accredited by Sharon and has been teaching ScarWork since 2015.
How it works
ScarWork is a series of techniques to assist with reconfiguring the soft tissue, normally reducing the adhesions left by scarring and improving the scar’s appearance. Adhesions stick structures together that should not be stuck together; this can restrict mobility and function and cause discomfort or agonising pain. We do not yet understand fully how ScarWork works. Research is ongoing into the power of the light touch approach, but empirical evidence demonstrates its effectiveness.
It is not possible to restore correct balance and alignment to the body if there is a restriction in the tissues caused by severe injury and/or scarring. For this reason we teach to focus on the scars first; this allows for a more permanent result when other physical problems and internal imbalances are addressed. Further, the traumatic memory of injury/surgery often surfaces after ScarWork and this has been reported to help reduce internal stress level and improve emotional balance.
How ScarWork can help you
ScarWork is a gentle, painless therapy which assists the softening of scar tissue and reduces the tension the scar and adhesions have created within the network of fascia. The therapist works completely within the pain guidelines of the body; the client feeds back if there is any discomfort and the therapist adapts their touch, angle, and/or technique accordingly.
Although there is often an aesthetic improvement in a scar, the primary aim is always to alleviate issues under the skin; often both aims are achieved.
Everyone feels the result of ScarWork differently, because everyone’s history is different. If a scar has been causing problems with your walking, we may find that gait improves. If there have been problems internally, with organ function, we may notice a reduction in those issues.
FREE SCARWORK - although we have an ever-increasing number of ScarWork therapists worldwide, you also have the option of being a 'scar model', i.e. joining a course for the students to work on in a supervised capacity. Please contact admin@bodyinharmony.org.uk to be added to the Scar Model mailing list, thank you.
The ScarWork was wonderful. I felt safe and nurtured by both my therapists. The movement was gentle and yet profoundly successful. I left the studio feeling much more open in my right hip. I felt less stressed and softer in my abdomen. I felt tired, early to bed. It lifted my mood greatly. Helen – scar model
Felt amazing, so much more flexibility in my shoulder, left pec has much more space. Tummy scar feels so much more integrated and soft. Right breast scar feels smaller. Back scar worked on, shoulder more relaxed, more movement and able to take deeper breaths naturally. Thank you. Lynn Reid – scar model
Amazing that such gentle touch can bring about such profound sensation and change. I am very grateful for the opportunity to model and would highly recommend it. GE – scar model
It’s given me a gentle way to work with scars, that I can add to my acupuncture treatments or do standalone. Such important work. Sarah Barnard – ScarWork student
After many years as a massage therapist, this ScarWork course has been enlightening, grounding and, literally, life changing. Both personally with my own scars and professionally how, moving forward, I can be of service to others so in need. It is so important. Thank you. Helen – ScarWork student.