ScarWork Massage
ScarWork for Women’s Health
Your body holds its history in many ways, and scars are part of that story. ScarWork is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that supports you in reconnecting with areas of your body that may feel tight, uncomfortable, or unfamiliar after surgery or injury.
This work was developed by Sharon Wheeler and is influenced by Ida Rolf’s understanding of fascia — the connective tissue that supports and links your whole body. By working with this tissue, scar work offers your body an opportunity to soften, reorganise, and find more ease.
Even when a scar looks healed on the surface, it can continue to affect how you feel in yourself. You might notice pulling, tingling, numbness, sensitivity, or discomfort in or around the scar. Whether your scar is new or many years old, ScarWork can gently support your body in re-integrating this area into the wider connective tissue network.
Often, a scar is more than skin deep. Scar tissue can extend into deeper layers, where surrounding tissues may adapt or tighten in response. This can influence comfort, movement, and how connected you feel in your body. ScarWork is offered as a slow, respectful process, guided by your body’s responses.
When Might ScarWork Be Helpful?
You may choose to explore scar work if you have had:
● A caesarean birth
● A hysterectomy
● Pelvic laparoscopic surgery
● A mastectomy
● Hip or knee replacement
● Abdominal surgery
Some women come because of ongoing physical sensations. Others come because a scar still holds emotional weight. Both reasons — and everything in between — are welcome.
”I found Bella when I was looking for a massage therapist who would accept people who had a history of breast cancer. After a year of unpleasant physical examinations and procedures I wanted a holistic therapeutic touch and Bella was the nurturing presence that I needed. 4 years later, as part of my sessions, Bella does ScarWork on the area, which really relieves the swelling, tightness and nerve pain I have post surgery. She is very very gentle and respectful when treating the area and is experienced in dealing with scars.” Gabbi, Oxford
Frequently Asked Questions
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You can usually begin ScarWork around 6–8 weeks after surgery, once the area has healed, there is no infection, and you have been cleared by your doctor. If your scar is many years old, you are still welcome — it is never too late to offer gentle attention to this part of your body.
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ScarWork is gentle and should not be painful. You may notice subtle or unfamiliar sensations as awareness and feeling return to the area. You remain in control throughout the session, and we move at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you.
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Everybody responds differently. The number of sessions depends on the type of surgery you’ve had, the size and location of the scar, and how your body responds. Many women begin with 4–5 sessions, spaced weekly or fortnightly, and then review together how things are progressing.
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The intention of scar work is to support how your scar feels rather than how it looks. Over time, you may notice the area feels softer, less tight, and more at ease within the surrounding tissue.
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Yes. Scars often carry more than physical sensation. They may hold memories of experiences that were unexpected, frightening, or different from what you had hoped for — such as a caesarean after a planned vaginal birth.
In this work, your feelings are met with care and respect. You are never rushed, and consent is ongoing. For some women, allowing a scar to be gently seen and touched for the first time can be a meaningful part of reconnecting with their body and integrating what they have lived through.