The body forms scar tissue as a natural response to trauma, when the skin is damaged, lacerated or punctured, either by accident or by elective intervention, such as; piercings or surgery.
Collagen laid down during the repair process results in a thickened, fibrous area which can result in reduced blood and lymph flow, which impedes skin function, and can even affect our range of motion. Additionally, where delicate nerve tissue is unavoidably affected this often results in altered or reduced sensation of both the scar and the surrounding tissue, making contact over the area feel strange or unpleasant.
A scar can also, due to its lack of elasticity, create a dragging or pulling effect on the whole system which may lead to altered function being referred elsewhere in the body, such as; an appendix scar leading to back pain, for example.
All scars are a lasting representation of a traumatic episode, of some sort, therefore there can be an on-going emotional impact bound up in any scar, no matter how seemingly innocuous. This residue may be buried, or it may be evident; if for example the individual is unable to touch or look at their scar, or even in some cases feeling disconnected to the ‘damaged’ body part.
MSTR is an amazing advancement in the treatment of scar tissue which has been shown to improve the function of the scar, potentially release the trauma bound within it and possibly, under some circumstances, even change the appearance of the scar, to a greater or lesser degree. MSTR can be used to address scars as a consequence of; caesarean sections, hysterectomies, spinal surgery, traumatic injuries, head wounds, keyhole surgeries, amputations, body piercing and in some instances even burns. MSTR may also be helpful where dense fibrous tissue is present, such as in; plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, tendon tears, axillary web syndrome and dupuytren’s contracture.
For treatment to be considered scars must be fully healed and at least eight weeks old, plus where surgical, signed off by your surgeon, before treatment can take place, even scars that are years old can benefit from treatment so as long as you meet the criteria you may be able to benefit. Scars over plates and screws can also be considered for treatment, those overlying surgical mesh, however, are unsuitable to receive this technique so it is important that you disclose the full details of the procedure/s you have undergone.
Where scars are related to cancer treatment then you either need to gain the approval of your medical team to receive this treatment or wait five years before undertaking MSTR treatment. Treatment may bring out old bruising, may change the colour or appearance of the scar, may increase scar flexibility and may promote an emotional release of the trauma associated with the scar so please be prepared for such eventualities and ensure that you can rest after the treatment. Most scars or areas of fibrous tissue require two to three treatments to undergo lasting change, sometimes however, too much nerve damage has occurred for much sensory change to be noticeable, but tissue changes may still be evident.
If you are interested in having your scar/s, piercings, burn/s or fibrous tissue addressed you will be required to undertake a full consultation, to partially disrobe so that your area of concern can be examined and to receive up to three treatments. If you would prefer to be chaperoned then you would be very welcome to bring your partner, a close family member or a friend along with you and if you feel uncomfortable in anyway please do let your practitioner know as soon as possible.
MSTR scar tissue techniques are not used in conjunction with other hands-on therapies but can be applied in association with any of Kate’s Talking Therapies, however once your scar/burn/fibrous tissue has been treated then other hands-on modalities can be used during subsequent visits, if you have other mechanical symptoms which you would like to address.
