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

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

 

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:

• Understand the lineage/history of ScarWork 

• Understand the purpose and application of ScarWork

• Understand how scars can create effects both locally and elsewhere in the body

• Observe and identify ScarWork techniques during teacher demonstrations

• Demonstrate proficiency performing ScarWork techniques on outside models/volunteers during 3 supervised clinics

• Learn 20+ ScarWork techniques

• Understand cautions, considerations, and contraindications

• Understand resources available to support your ScarWork 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) Alaska

• 2.4 CEUs with Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
  
  *Please inquire as to whether CEUs can be approved by the physical therapy 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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Student Testimonial:

See what students have said about attending the ScarWork course.

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Model/Volunteer Testimonial:

See what a model/volunteer had to say about receiving ScarWork from students during a supervised clinic in the July 2022 class.

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2025 ScarWork Class Flyer:

The class flyer is available here.

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