What is Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork?
Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork is an effective technique for treating and ameliorating post-surgical scars and after-effects that "erases” scarring and reintegrates the tissue into the fascial web. Scar tissue is formed as part of the body's way to mend itself, but often leave us compromised with tension, restriction, and disorganisation. As scar tissue matures, it begins to pull and drag on other surrounding tissues, and can sometimes create further complications. ScarWork is not just another approach to working with scars – it is a groundbreaking method that has helped countless individuals, is paving the way for some of the latest scientific research, and is expected to revolutionise our understanding of the human body and the role of manual therapy. ScarWork is an intervention therapy that: - Reduces swelling, tightness and numbing - Improves general overall tissue function - Helps restore natural appearance ScarWork was introduced to the UK in 2014 and has grown rapidly.
Who is Sharon Wheeler?
Sharon Wheeler is the pioneer of innovative methodologies, including ScarWork and Bone Work . Evolving fher methods since 1973 from the teachings of Dr. Ida P. Rolf, the founder of Structural Integration. For over 50 years, Sharon has continued to study this work in various forms and applied Structural Integration's original principles to discover and create new forms of treatment, developing her own style and new methodologies. Sharon also studied anatomy, as well as Mythology with Joseph Campbell, Core Energetics with John Pierrakos, MD, and Tai Chi Chuan, Pa-qua and Hsing-I with Robert Smith and Allen Pittman. Her membership affiliations include Guild for Structural Integration, Rolf Institute for Structural Integration, International Association for Structural Integration, Fascia Research Society, and NCBTMB workshop provider. Sharon maintains a practice in Rolfing Structural Integration and Rolf Movement in Port Orchard, WA. She likes to garden, and is fond of white water rafting and hiking.
How does it work?
ScarWork is delivered through gentle, hands-on therapy, using a very light touch and an innovative and effective approach. There are numerous separate techniques used to integrate different qualities of scar tissue into the fascial web, in which the practitioner coaxes the fibrous and random tissue to blend in with the established collagen matrix surrounding the site of the scar. Lumps, gaps, ridges, holes, bumps, knots, and strings in the tissue rapidly smooth out into the surrounding three-dimensional fascial web, starting with surface layers and eventually going deeper into involved viscera, which can also reduce nerve-impaired numbness.
Why ScarWork?
ScarWork’s gentle, innovative, and non-intrusive approach results in lasting functional change as well as cosmetic improvement. Whether new or old, most types of scars seem to respond with rapid healing and further improvement after the session work. The traditional method of dealing with scars and adhesions was generally one of ‘knuckling’, i.e. breaking down the rigid, unresponsive tissues with the knuckles, which was painful despite offering some relief. With ScarWork, your therapist will listen to the body’s pain alerts and adapt pressure, techniques and angle of touch accordingly so that it is light, responsive and feels good.
Is ScarWork painful?
While every body is different, ScarWork's gentle technique is fast, non-intrusive, and rarely painful, even for very new scars. Unlike formerly traditional methods of dealing with scars and adhesions (‘knuckling’, or breaking down the rigid, unresponsive tissues with the knuckles), ScarWork can adapt pressure, techniques and touch so that it is light, responsive and doesn't hurt.
What can I expect if choose ScarWork?
Each scar is unique, so results can vary over a range of integrative, emotional and aesthetic outcomes. In general, through ScarWork, scar tissue quality is changed significantly, so it often results in large whole body integration shifts along with trauma resolution. Natural and surgical scars of any age respond immediately, usually followed by a short period of rapid healing and continued - and ultimately permanent - improvement. The cosmetic effect is delightful and the functional changes can be profound. While the amount of change after just one intervention is extensive, we recommend around 3-6 sessions for maximum effectiveness, though this may vary based on the location, nature and age of the scars. Please book a call to assess your needs and discuss ScarWork packages.
