MSTR is a non-invasive, light touch technique to relieve adhesions & restrictions caused by scar tissue. This technique is suitable for all ages & for scars older than 8 weeks that have completely healed.

Why scars can be problematic

Scars are a vastly overlooked source of physiological & bio-mechanical disfunction, as well as a potential trigger for emotional trauma. The body forms scar tissue as a natural response to trauma when the skin is lacerated or punctured either by accident or surgery. During the repair process the body lays down thick layers of densely packed collagen fibres though which blood circulation, oxygenation & lymphatic flow are restricted.

This thickened fibrous mass causes a dragging or pulling on the surrounding healthy tissues which over time can lead to the body setting up compensatory patterns of movement, often resulting in pain & long-standing issues that don’t resolve with manual therapies unless the scar tissue is addressed. Furthermore, the severing of delicate nerve tissue often results in abnormal sensation of not only the scar, but the surrounding tissue also. The individual may have a difficult relationship with a scar if they don’t like how it looks or if it triggers emotional memories related to the traumatic events which caused it to be there.

Clients with scars may experience as ;

• sensations over the scar
  • numbness
  • itching
  • tingling
  • pain
  • burning
  • intense cold
  • hypersensitivity
• physical issues
  • reduced range of movement
  • loss of flexibility
  • postural distortion
  • weakened muscles
• emotional issues
  • intense dislike of the way the scar looks or feels
  • traumatic memories linked to the events that gave the scar

​Symptoms may still be present and problematic decades after the initial trauma and can severely impact on daily life, but it is never too late to work on scar tissue with MSTR.

What happens during a scar tissue release session?

A scar tissue release session typically involves assessment of the scar, including how you feel when you touch it, how you feel when the therapist touches it, how you feel about the scar & how you feel about the events which gave you the scar. Following this initial assessment the therapist makes quick moves with finger or thumb using light pressure over the scar & affected surrounding tissue.

These gentle moves help tease apart the tightly packed fibres which make up the scar, allowing for greater blood flow in the area. This remodelling of the scar means that results are long standing.

Benefits of scar tissue release

This gentle hands-on therapy aims to aid greater blood flow & lymphatic drainage in post trauma or post-surgery scars, allowing for the area to become smoother & less problematic. Clients often find that treatment of a scar resolves pain or restrictions they have been experiencing in other parts of their body. Some even find a shift in their perception & acceptance of the events that gave them the scar.

Releasing scar tissue using MSTR can result in;

• changes in colour or tone of the scar
• reduction in pain
• restored sensation
• reduction in strange sensations over the scar
• reduced adhesions
• the scar becoming smoother
• Increased range of movement
• Increased blood flow & oxygenation to the area
• Increased lymphatic drainage reducing swelling and redness
• A release of emotion (especially if the scar was acquired in a traumatic or emergency situation)

What scars can benefit from MSTR?

Some common scars you may have that could benefit from scar tissue release include (but aren’t limited to):

• surgery scars
  • c-section
  • spinal surgery
  • mastectomy/breast reconstruction
  • hysterectomy
  • abdominal and appendix
  • keyhole surgery
  • hip, knee & ankle surgery
  • carpal tunnel surgery
  • heart surgery
• trauma scars such as (but not limited to)
  • cuts
  • stab wounds
  • bullet wounds
• deep tissue scars:
  • plantar fasciitis scarring
  • dupuytrens contracture
  • tears to muscle, tendon, ligament

There may be some instances where it is not appropriate to work on a scar using MSTR. Booking a free discovery call before your appointment is a good way for us to decide the best options for your needs.