ScarWork: Manual Therapy for Integrating Scar Tissue into the Fascial Web

A 3- or 4-Day In-person Course for Hands-on Healthcare Providers

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Course Description:

This is an inspiring continuing education experience that not only delivers new insights and tools, but opens new doors to the future of your practice.

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ScarWork approaches scars and adhesions through the lens of biotensegrity. Working with scars is like speaking a different language in the world of connective tissue. Although scar tissue is dense, it responds best to light touch. This approach begins with the superficial layers and continues into the far-reaching depths of the scar without having to work any harder. Symptomatic scars can be associated with several forms of discomfort (e.g. pain, decreased range of motion, tightness, numbness, irritating sensations). ScarWork can result in lasting functional change as well as cosmetic and tactile improvement, often after a single session. Photos of cosmetic changes possible with this gentle work are shared here with client permission. Most natural and surgical scars of any age respond well.

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Attendees will learn more than twenty techniques through demonstration, practical experience working on class participants, and three supervised clinics working on scar model volunteers from the community. The techniques can be incorporated into your practice immediately to benefit those with various scars including mastectomy, hip/knee replacement, C-section, hysterectomy, and burns. ScarWork often provides relief for those with Dupuytren contracture as well.

 

ScarWork was created by Sharon Wheeler in the early 1970s. Today, she travels the world sharing her discoveries and has approved practitioners in multiple countries to teach ScarWork. You can learn more about Sharon and her work at sharonwheeler.com.

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Course Objectives:

• Describe the origin and lineage of ScarWork

• Summarize the purpose of ScarWork

• Assess the interconnectedness of the entire fascial web in addition to the local and far-reaching effects of scar formation via a hands-on experiential learning activity

• Describe how scars are formed and the different types of scars

• List the resources available to support your ScarWork practice

• List the cautions, considerations, and contraindications of ScarWork

• List the potential benefits of ScarWork

• Assess the scar texture, appearance, and body-wide effects via tactile and visual observation before and after the teacher demonstration of a ScarWork session on a scar model volunteer from the community

• Identify the ScarWork techniques applicable to different scar/tissue qualities

• Practice ScarWork techniques individually on pillow/towel models 

• Apply ScarWork techniques on classmates’ scars

• Compare the quality of touch receiving ScarWork from the instructor vs student and provide constructive verbal feedback to help align the student’s touch more closely with the instructor’s

• Perform ScarWork techniques on various scar model volunteers from the community in three 2-hour instructor-supervised clinics

• Discuss the emotional aspect of scars

• Create a compassionate atmosphere where client/patient feels safe

• Perform intake interviews with client/patient to understand the history/story of their scar(s)

• Explain the client's/patient’s responsibilities while receiving ScarWork

• Develop tactile acuity working with different fascial layers

• Apply instructor feedback (hands-on, verbal, and visual) to fine-tune application of the ScarWork techniques

• List how the client/patient should care for themselves after receiving ScarWork

• Discuss key observations from Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau’s ‘Skin, Scars and Stiffness’ and ‘Strolling Under the Skin’ videos

• Support classmates by participating in sharing experiences, insights, and perspectives

• Plan marketing/incorporating ScarWork into your practice

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Continuing Education Credits​

• 24 CEUs with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

• 2.4 CEUs with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) of Alaska

• 2.4 CEUs with Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

• 24 CEUs with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) of Massachusetts

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*Please inquire as to whether CEUs can be approved by the relevant board in your state*

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​Course Dates:

See the class dates page.

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​Attendance:

Students must attend the entire class to receive a certificate of completion for the full amount of continuing education credits.

 

Refund/Cancellation:

A full refund will be issued (minus a $100 admin fee) if the student cancels 30 or more days prior to the course start date. After, full tuition is forfeited.

 

In the case of illness or a true emergency, arrangements may be made to transfer the registration to a future class or refund a portion of the registration fee if the spot can be filled. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.​

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