What Scar Therapy Can Help With
We work with scars following many different forms of surgery and injury.
Joint replacement and orthopaedic surgery
We increasingly work with people following total and partial knee replacement, hip replacement and other orthopaedic procedures.
Although the joint itself may have been successfully replaced, the skin, fascia, muscles and other soft tissues affected by surgery still have to heal and adapt.
Some people continue to experience:
- pulling or tightness around the surgical scar
- areas that feel stuck or tethered
- sensitivity or numbness
- swelling or puffiness
- discomfort when bending or straightening a joint
- difficulty kneeling
- restriction that appears to affect walking or everyday movement
- a feeling that the operated area still doesn’t quite feel like their own
We do not assume that scar tissue is responsible for every post-operative problem.
Our role is to assess the scar and the surrounding soft tissues to determine whether restriction, sensitivity or reduced tissue mobility may be contributing.
Breast surgery, mastectomy and reconstruction
We work with scars following breast surgery including:
- lumpectomy
- mastectomy
- lymph-node procedures
- breast reconstruction
- DIEP flap reconstruction
- breast reduction and augmentation
Restriction may occur across the chest, around the breast, through the axilla or, following procedures such as DIEP reconstruction, through the abdominal donor site.
Treatment may focus on scar mobility, sensitivity, surrounding tissue restriction and comfortable movement.
C-section, hysterectomy and abdominal surgery
We regularly treat scars following:
- C-section
- hysterectomy
- abdominal surgery
- hernia repair
- appendectomy
- bowel surgery
- laparoscopic surgery
- tummy tuck and other abdominal procedures
A scar doesn’t have to be painful to cause problems. Some people describe pulling, tightness, altered sensation or a feeling that the tissues across the stomach and even down the thighs do not move normally during exercise, walking or everyday movement.
Other surgical and traumatic scars
We also work with scars following:
- spinal surgery
- shoulder and upper-limb surgery
- cardiac and thoracic surgery
- sternotomy and bypass surgery
- pacemaker insertion
- biopsy, port and drain sites
- burns and skin grafts
- traumatic injuries and wounds
- amputation and residual-limb scars
Even scars that are many years old can sometimes remain sensitive or restricted.
What Can Scar Restriction Feel Like?
Scar-related problems don’t always feel like pain directly on the scar.
People often describe:
- pulling or tightness
- skin that feels stuck or does not glide normally
- numbness or altered sensation
- tingling or hypersensitivity
- discomfort when clothing touches the area
- puffiness or swelling
- restriction when stretching or moving
- discomfort when kneeling or placing pressure on the area
- changes in posture or movement because the area feels restricted
- a feeling of being physically disconnected from the area
The scar itself may look perfectly normal.
That is why we assess how the tissue behaves, not simply how the scar looks.
More Than Scar Massage
People often search for scar massage after surgery.
Scar massage can be useful, but clinical scar therapy involves more than rubbing or moisturising the visible scar.
At Advance SRM, we assess the tissue first and adapt treatment according to what we find.
Treatment may include:
- specialist hands-on work on and around the scar
- gentle scar mobilisation
- soft tissue and fascial techniques
- techniques designed to improve tissue glide
- sensory and desensitisation work
- treatment of surrounding soft tissue restriction
- support for post-operative swelling where appropriate
- movement and rehabilitation advice
- LymphaTouch® negative-pressure therapy where clinically appropriate
The aim isn’t to aggressively “break down” scar tissue.
Scar tissue is living tissue which continues to remodel.
Our aim is to encourage better mobility, adaptability and comfort within the healed tissues.
LymphaTouch® Scar Therapy
Where appropriate, we can combine hands-on scar therapy with LymphaTouch®.
LymphaTouch uses carefully controlled negative pressure to gently lift the skin and superficial tissues.
This can be particularly useful where we are working with:
- reduced tissue glide
- scar restriction
- swelling
- sensitivity
- post-operative soft tissue restriction
It is not necessary for every scar and we do not use technology simply because it is available.
It is introduced where our assessment suggests it could add value to your treatment.
What to Expect
Every scar is different, so every first appointment begins with an assessment.
We will ask about:
- the surgery or injury that caused the scar
- when it occurred
- how the wound healed
- any complications
- pain, sensitivity or numbness
- swelling
- movements or activities that remain difficult
- what you would like to improve
We then assess the scar and surrounding tissues.
Treatment may involve working directly over the scar, around it, or elsewhere in the surrounding tissue depending on what we find.
Nothing happens without your consent and treatment is always adapted to your comfort.
Why Clients Choose Advance SRM
Scar therapy is not simply an occasional add-on to our standard treatments.
Post-surgical recovery and scar restriction are becoming an increasingly important area of our clinical work.
We have experience working with people following a wide range of procedures, including joint replacement, cancer surgery, breast reconstruction, abdominal surgery and C-section, alongside complex and long-standing scars.
Our approach combines:
- specialist knowledge of soft tissue and movement
- detailed assessment rather than assumption
- hands-on scar and soft tissue therapy
- LymphaTouch® where appropriate
- understanding of post-operative rehabilitation
- clear communication and informed consent
- collaboration with other healthcare professionals where needed
We don’t rush.
We don’t treat every scar in the same way.
And if our assessment suggests that your symptoms require further medical investigation rather than scar therapy, we will tell you.
Assess • Treat • Empower
A surgical scar does not have to look problematic to affect how an area feels or moves.
Whether your surgery was recent or took place years ago, if you are experiencing pulling, tightness, sensitivity, swelling or restriction around a healed scar, we can assess whether specialist scar and soft tissue therapy may be appropriate.
Not sure whether you need scar therapy? Call the clinic and talk to us first.
Scar Therapy Pricing
- Initial assessment + first treatment (60 min) from £120
- Follow-up sessions (30 or 60 min) from £75
- Recovery packages available.
faqs
Client's Questions Answered
How long after surgery or injury can I come for scar therapy?
Usually from 8–12 weeks after surgery or once your scar is fully closed and healed. If you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch and we can advise.
Is scar therapy painful?
No. Our approach is gentle, respectful, and never aggressive. Some techniques – including LymphaTouch – may create a sensation of lifting or pressure change, but intensity is always adjusted to your comfort.
Can you work on very old scars?
Yes. Scar therapy can be helpful even years or decades after healing. It’s never “too late” to work with tissue that feels stuck or tight.
Can I do anything at home to help my scar between sessions?
Yes – in some cases, we may suggest simple home support, such as using soft silicone suction cups. These can gently encourage tissue mobility and sensory awareness. If appropriate for your situation, we’ll guide you on safe use. You can find these in our shop.
Do you treat internal scars or adhesions?
No. We work externally and do not offer internal pelvic, visceral, or diagnostic treatment. We’re happy to refer or collaborate if needed.
Living with discomfort or tightness around a scar?
You don’t have to.
Our skilled, gentle scar therapy can help restore comfort, mobility, and ease – safely and respectfully.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your scar, how long ago it formed, and what you’re experiencing. Some clients feel a noticeable difference after 2–3 sessions. Others with more complex or long-standing scars benefit from a longer course. We’ll give you an honest picture after your first appointment – no pressure to commit to a set number.
Can scar therapy help with numbness or altered sensation?
Yes. Many clients come to us because the area around their scar feels numb, tingly, or hypersensitive. Scar therapy can help restore more normal sensation over time by encouraging the tissue to soften and the nervous system to recalibrate. It’s one of the most common things we treat.
Will you need to see or touch my scar directly?
We’ll always discuss this with you first. In many cases, we do work directly on and around the scar – but only with your full consent, at a pace you’re comfortable with. If you’d prefer to keep certain areas covered or start with work further from the scar itself, that’s completely fine. You’re always in control.
Can scar therapy help with emotional responses to my scar?
Scars can carry emotional weight – anxiety, self-consciousness, or even trauma responses. While we’re not counsellors, many clients tell us that as the tissue softens and sensation improves, their emotional relationship with the scar shifts too. We create a calm, unhurried space and will never push you beyond what feels right.
What's the difference between scar therapy and scar massage?
“Scar massage” usually refers to basic rubbing or moisturising techniques you might be given after surgery. Clinical scar therapy goes much further – we assess the tissue, identify restrictions, and use specialist manual techniques (and where appropriate, LymphaTouch®) to address deeper adhesions, sensitivity, and movement limitations. It’s a structured, clinical treatment, not a home routine.
Can I have scar therapy if I'm still under a consultant or surgeon?
Yes – and in many cases, scar therapy complements your ongoing medical care. We’re happy to work alongside your surgical team. If we think you need clearance before starting, we’ll let you know.
Is scar therapy just for visible scars?
No. Some of the most problematic scars are hidden – under clothing, in skin folds, or from keyhole surgery. If a scar is causing tightness, pulling, pain, or restriction, it doesn’t matter how small or invisible it looks. The tissue underneath is what we’re treating.
Can you treat scars from burns or skin grafts?
Yes. Burns and skin graft scars often develop significant tightness, sensitivity, and adhesion. We use gentle, adapted techniques to work with this tissue safely. Every session is paced to your comfort.
Do I need a referral from my GP or surgeon?
No. You can book directly. However, if your scar is very recent (under 8 weeks) or you’re currently undergoing treatment, we may suggest checking with your medical team first.