Scar Therapy
Last year I trained with UK scar therapy specialist Emma Holly, who developed the Restore Method – a skilled and focused approach to treating oncology scars safely and effectively.
Scar therapy is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on treatment designed to support scars after surgery, injury, trauma, or cancer treatment.
Scar tissue can cause layers of skin and connective tissue to stick together. This may lead to tightness, pulling, numbness, sensitivity, or restricted movement – even years after healing. Scar therapy works to soften and mobilise the tissue, helping you feel more comfortable and at ease in your body again.
Oncology Scar Therapy
Scars from cancer surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy ports often carry both physical and emotional impact.
They may cause:
- Tightness across the chest, shoulder, or abdomen
- Restricted arm or upper body movement
- Pain, itching, numbness, or sensitivity
- Ongoing pulling sensations
- A feeling of disconnection from the body
Following procedures such as mastectomy or lymph node removal, scar tissue can affect posture, breathing, and overall comfort.
By gently working through the layers of tissue, scar therapy can help improve circulation, encourage healthy movement between tissues, and support natural scar remodelling over time.
What to Expect
A session includes a thorough assessment and a gentle hands-on treatment. Ongoing sessions are tailored to your stage of healing and personal goals.
You can usually begin a very gentle self-massage around 4 weeks, once the scar is fully closed (no scabs and completely healed on the surface).
Scar massage therapy can typically begin from around 8 weeks post-surgery, provided healing is progressing well and you have approval from your healthcare professional.
I will also show you simple self-care techniques to support your progress at home.
I have found that Oncology Scar Massage works well alongside acupuncture as well as a stand alone treatment.
Scar therapy isn’t just about how a scar looks – it’s about helping you feel comfortable, confident, and reconnected in your body.