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 connect structures that should not be connected; this can restrict mobility and organ function and create 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.
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.
“Now when I’m walking, I don’t feel the tension under the arch of the foot. There is much more flexion and ease of movement. My toes have relaxed and straightened from a tense, ‘clawed’ position. I can now balance on my right foot which I could not before. The sensitivity is completely reduced and I’m not feeling any pain on movement. The way I walk has changed as the range of movement has increased. I’m using my ankle and the ball of my foot. It feels less flat-footed and my toes are working much more normally. The whole foot feels more balanced, and loose and comfortable”.
Liz Davies
“I had sensations of emotional release when the middle section of the scar was worked on. Feelings of short ‘zaps’ throughout the treatment. Lower lip released, although there were no visible signs of restriction on the lip, the release felt like the lip smiling widely. Results were: freer movement of the area below the lower lip, less ‘attached’; neck rotation much easier with less crunching; scar feels smoother and wire-like line almost negligible. Distance between neck and shoulders feels extended and relaxed.”
Tina
“I certainly felt something during the procedure, pressure that felt as if it was going quite deep (even though I was told the pressure being applied was extremely light), there was no pain, but I was quite astonished by a sensation on two of the scars which felt like a pinging as if something was releasing. I was further surprised at the end of the treatment that my range of arm movement had improved. Thank you again.”
AC
“The treatment that I have received has been life-changing. The scars have improved visually and physically. I had become used to my body’s new normal, but now feel freer, less constrained and constricted and far more old normal! Thank you so much.”
Sue Keighley
I could not recommend this practice more and especially Jan herself. If you have any internal or external scars that cause you pain, misalignment or emotional upset this work is truly amazing. Having had 5/6 epidurals and two Caesareans, after just one session I woke up without back pain for the first time in two years. My body feels so much stronger.. I can actually stand up straight again. I feel Lucky to have experienced it.. It Iis amazing!!
Kirsty Walker