Creating a Functional Scar

A scar is like an iceberg, most of the effects are unseen, beneath the surface of the skin.  Scar tissue extends from the surface layer of the skin to the interconnected web of fascia inside the body. Scars always come with a story of how they were created, sometimes they can hold the trauma around that event within the body as well as the physical holding patterns they create within the body. 
On a physical level when a scar forms the collagen fibres are more ridged and disorganised than the rest of the fascia in the body. As healing takes place they are gradually replaced with the same kind of collagen,  however the elastin fibres within the scar tissue will always have less flexibility and therefore the scar will create a tensional pull within the body which can lead to problems though out the fascial system. As the scar tissue is different in make up from the rest of the fascial network, less flexible and hydrated, it creates areas of stiffness which the body the responds to by lying down more fibres in that direction due to the demands placed upon it. This can create adhesions over the years, areas of stuck-ness, where tissues no longer glide and therefore can create pain and loss of movement. As the body is a tensional network there will be compensatory movement and holding patterns that develop through the rest of the body to balance the forces of the scar. 
In the case of a c-section scar, the visible scar may be a neat line at the base of the abdomen but the internal scarring around the uterus and surrounding tissue can create pull like a knot within a web. This pull can create issues such as pelvic pain, leakage, digestive issues and postural patterns.  
Scars have emotional layers too. They are often highly charged places within the body, storing emotions and trauma connected to the event. It may be that the physical appearance of the scar will also bring up strong feelings too.  Often areas that have had surgery or injury can respond differently to touch, sometimes they are numb and other times they can be hypersensitive on both a physical and emotional level as they tap into the deep hidden layers within the bodymind.
Once a scar is formed it will always be present but through bodywork we can prevent it from causing issues around the body and help it to become more integrated with the rest of the bodymind. In MFR scar work we release adhesions and aim to build a sense of cohesion with the rest of the body so that mobility can be increased and pain decreased. It is particularly important to come from a place of being trauma informed when working on a scar because of the connection to the story that the scar holds. The emotional work is just as important, developing a sense of emotional connection to the area affected. Scars are as different as the people who have them and we all hold scars, stories and trauma in our bodies. Through trauma informed scar work my intention is to build connection, integration, self acceptance and safety with the bodymind to create a functional scar. If you are interested in having scar work you can book a session through the link below...
Book a Scar Myofascial Release Session