ScarWork™

Scars are more than skin deep. Beneath the surface, scar tissue can bind to underlying layers of fascia, restrict movement, alter sensation, and create compensatory tension patterns throughout the body. ScarWork™ is a specialized approach developed to address these deeper effects, improving how scars feel, move, and look, while supporting the body's ongoing healing process.

At Align, ScarWork™ is offered by Jeannie Kelley, LMT, a certified advanced Rolf practitioner and cranial therapist whose work with connective tissue and fascial systems spans nearly four decades. Jeannie has been studying with the founder of ScarWork™ since 2010, and teaching on this subject since 2015.

What to Expect

Upon arrival, your practitioner will ask about how you acquired your scar, as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing. Together you will both feel the scar before, during and after the session to get a sense of change.

ScarWork™ uses very light, specific touch along and around the scar, often described as more of a gentle engagement than traditional massage pressure. The work is typically painless and is appropriate for most clients, including those who are sensitive about touching their scar.

The therapist works with the scar tissue at multiple layers, assessing its texture, mobility, and relationship to surrounding structures, then applying precise techniques to encourage the tissue to soften, hydrate, and reorganize.

Integrating scar tissue back into the body can provide freedom, sometimes the kind you didn't even know you were missing. The amount of change in one intervention can be extensive, followed by a short period of rapid healing and continued improvement over the next few weeks. While many notice a permanent change after just one session, a series of 3 to 6 treatments is often suggested for complex scars.

Benefits

Below are some of the most consistent and meaningful outcomes of ScarWork™:

• Texture: softens and flattens raised or thickened scar tissue over time
• Function: reduces tightness, pulling, and discomfort while improving range of motion and flexibility
• Sensation: normalizes nerve-related symptoms, such as numbness, hypersensitivity, pain or tingling
• Circulation: increased blood and lymph flow, resulting in decreased swelling
• Appearance: helps the scar look more natural and become less noticeable by making it smoother, softer, and blended with the surrounding skin texture and color
• Whole-Body Integration: since fascia is interconnected, releasing a scar in one area can sometimes resolve issues elsewhere
• Mind-Body Integration: beyond physical relief, energetic release is also possible. Scars often carry memories of past trauma, and this work can help liberate stored emotional tension and support emotional healing

Common Applications

Sessions can address scars of any cause, regardless of how old the scar is. Even very old scars respond to ScarWork™.

• Post-Surgical Scars: mastectomy, C-section, joint replacement, abdominal surgeries, and plastic surgery
• Trauma & Injury Scars: accidents, deep cuts, burns, or bite marks
• Internal Adhesions: deeper scarring that might impact organ function

Important Notes

• We prefer that your scar be at least 12 weeks old and completely healed before beginning treatment. Exceptions can be made for certain cases; please consult with us first.
• We are selective and careful when it comes to treating keloids as these scars have unique properties and typically do not respond as well to manual therapy. If you are uncertain about whether your scar is a true keloid (verses a hypotrophic scar) please call to consult with us first.
• For bunionectomies and other foot scars involving bone, please consider booking a Structural Integration session. SI includes working with scars, bones, and fascia, and is our best recommendation for re-balancing the feet.

About ScarWork™

ScarWork™ is a trademarked approach that originated with Sharon Wheeler in the early 1970s after she trained with Dr. Ida Rolf, the founder of Structural Integration. Sharon's unique discoveries are now being researched as she continues to develop the work and teach worldwide.