What Is ScarWork?

ScarWork is a gentle, hands-on bodywork technique developed by Sharon Wheeler over the past 50+ years of her rolfing practice. Rather than “breaking down” scar tissue, this Scarwork seeks to integrate scar tissue into the body’s natural fascial web. 

Over time, scars can create dense adhesions that tether structures in ways that limit mobility, cause discomfort, or interfere with internal function. ScarWork gently encourages this dense tissue to reconnect in a more fluid, supportive way.

ScarWork is suitable for a wide variety of scars, including but not limited to:

• Surgical scars (C-sections, laparoscopy, orthopedic surgeries and replacements, mastectomy, etc.)
  

• Traumatic scars from injury, burns, or accidents
  

• Scars that are decades old, healing is still possible.

• Scars that cause: tightness, restricted mobility, numbness or altered sensation, postural or fascial disruptions, or emotional distress
  

Why ScarWork Matters

• Improves functionality: ScarWork helps release tightness, reduce numbness, and restore mobility, circulation and lymph flow through and around the scar.
  

• Cosmetic integration: With skilled, light touch, it smooths lumps, ridges, “strings,” or indentations so the scar blends more naturally with its surroundings.
  

• Long-lasting results: Even very old scars have been shown to respond, and improvements continue after the session.
  

• Whole-body effects: Many clients report not just local changes, but broader shifts in posture, tissue alignment, and even emotional healing.
  

• Evidence-based: Clinical work has demonstrated meaningful improvements in texture, symptom relief, and patient well-being.

What to Expect in a Session

• Intake & Assessment: We’ll start with a conversation about your scar — where it is, how it feels, and any symptoms (tightness, pulling, numbness) you’re experiencing.
  

• Gentle Touch: ScarWork uses a very light touch to coax scar tissue to soften and reorganize.

• Healing & Integration: After the session, the body continues to remodel the tissue. Changes continue to unfold in the days and weeks following treatment.

Safety & Comfort

• The technique is non-invasive and painless for most people.
  

• Because it’s so gentle, the risk of aggravating the tissue is very low, but we’ll always work within your comfort level.

ScarWork can be done as a stand alone treatment or seamlessly integrated into an acupuncture or bodywork session to enhance healing. To book a Scarwork session please choose "Follow-up Session" in the online booking system. 

 

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