A scar is the tissue that is formed from the body’s natural healing process in response to an injury, including surgical incisions. The body begins the process to heal the skin almost immediately, but this process can take up to 1-2 years to fully complete.

The human body has an amazing ability to heal wounds, however it doesn’t always happen as smoothly as we hope for.

As scars form and mature the tissue created tends to be more fibrous (thicker), and adhesions are often laid down.  This results in the quality of the tissue, and functionality of the area being compromised. With the formation of fibrosis, adhesions and the body’s need for structural stability sometimes, scars can cause pain; impact function, movement and ultimately a person’s quality of life.

The presence of scar tissue in the body – however large or small the outward appearance of the scar, can affect the layers of tissues under the skin, causing tension and discomfort not only in the area of the scar, but it can also influence the way the whole body functions.

Scars, whether new or years old, may cause numbness, physical discomfort, tightness or restricted movement and psychological and emotional trauma. They may also seem unsightly.

Some scars (especially those from trauma) can be particularly distressful to some people. n an image-conscious society that places immense pressure on how we look, scars can cause some people to experience a loss of confidence and self-esteem. The scar may bring up feelings of fear, anger, disgust, self-image problems.  Their scar represents the event that created that scar.

Releasing or improving the tension in and around a scar or improving the connective tissue health may be the key to your client’s recovery.

Scar Massage Therapy is a great way to to improve the health and feel of scars and surrounding soft tissues and is a frequent treatment as part of physical therapy after injury or surgery. Scar massage can help lessen the appearance of any scar.

Benefits of Scar Massage Therapy

• Release tightening of the scar and local area

• Reduces sensitivity and pain caused by trapped nerves or irritated scar tissue

• Stimulate and Boost Healing

• Improve mobility and function that has previously been restricted by scarring.

• Restore sensation to previously numb scars

• Reduce itchiness or over-sensitivity of scars

• Supports the emotional wellbeing of patients through therapeutic touch

• Improve appearance of the scar may also occur

Scar Massage Therapy is gentle, so minimal strain is put on the therapist and the client should also find treatment pain-free.

Usually a course of treatment lasting several sessions will be recommended but many people feel an improvement after just one session.

Course Details

For dates, prices and to book please scroll to the bottom of the page

Learn some simple new techniques to help stimulate change and encourage further healing in this one-day highly practical course

What we will cover:

• We will explore the nature of a scar and the different types, including the impact on fascia and movement of fluids and general functionality.
• The long- and short-term effects of scar tissue — from the physiological to the psychological
• What causes scarring, including surgery, soft tissue injuries, piercings and needle punctures.
• When to start working on scars.
• How to work on scars.

This workshop will give you invaluable hands-on practice in scar massage therapy.

As a massage therapist you can offer this as a stand-alone treatment or as part of your therapy treatment.

Who Can Attend?

This workshop open to practitioners, qualified in any form of Body Massage Therapy.

It is especially suitable for Cancer/Oncology Massage Therapists and for practising massage therapists working with clients who have undergone previous surgery and have residual scars.

No previous knowledge or experience of scars or scar therapy is needed.

Recognition by Professional Associations

Widely accepted by most Professional Bodies. If you are not already registered with a Professional Body and would like to do so here are some useful links – ICGT, CtHA, FHT.

For stand alone insurance Westminster

More Information

This hands-on day will be largely practical in content and as a result, you will need appropriate clinic workwear for the duration of the course. This is very much a practical day. As a result, we have sufficient time to practice and perform the techniques under the guidance of the tutor.

During the course you will partner up with another therapist and will get the chance to perform the techniques taught as well as being the recipient. This is because understanding what the technique should feel like is an invaluable tool for you as a therapist.

Duration: 1 day

Tutor: Amanda Philipe-Savage – see our MSCM Tutor Page

Course fees include the following:

All class tuition

• A comprehensive course manual
• An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio
• 5 cpd points
• Use of a massage couch during the day

You may also find the following very beneficial:

• Oncology Massage

To book a place on any of our courses please remember to create an account first (if you haven’t already got one.)

Create account here 

If you already have an account please remember to log-in first

Log-in here

If the course you wish to attend is full please send us an email at [email protected]. and we will be pleased to add you to the waiting list in case we have any dropouts.

If you are unable to attend the date below and are keen to do the course please let us know on [email protected]. If we have enough interest for another date we will be happy to schedule one in.