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 gentle, specialized hands-on technique 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.

What to Expect

ScarWork™ uses very light, specific touch along and around the scar, often described as more of a gentle engagement than traditional massage pressure. 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.

Many clients notice changes in sensation during and after a session: areas that were numb may begin to feel again, and areas that were hypersensitive may calm down. This normalization of sensation is one of the most consistent and meaningful outcomes of ScarWork™.

Sessions can address scars from surgeries, injuries, burns, or any other cause, regardless of how old the scar is. Even very old scars respond to ScarWork™. The technique is typically painless and is appropriate for most clients, including those who are sensitive about touching their scar.

Benefits

• Softens and flattens raised or thickened scar tissue over time
• Restores sensation in areas of numbness caused by nerve involvement in the scar
• Reduces hypersensitivity and discomfort around the scar site
• Releases restrictions that cause compensatory tension in surrounding muscles and fascia
• Improves the cosmetic appearance of scars with regular sessions
• Appropriate for post-surgical scars, including mastectomy, cesarean section, joint replacement, and abdominal surgeries

What to Expect

Upon arrival, your practitioner will ask about how you acquired your scar, as well as any symptoms you are experiencing. Together you will both feel the scar before, during, and after the session to get a sense of change. Applied techniques may vary depending on the type of scar, surgical procedure, age of the scar, and location on the body. The treatment should always be comfortable and even relaxing.

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.

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 do not treat keloids, as these scars have different properties and do not respond as well to this approach.

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.