The Benefits of Scar Massage Therapy

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Scars are more than just marks on the skin—they tell a story of an injury or surgery, often accompanied by physical or emotional challenges. Though scars typically don’t pose health risks, they can cause discomfort, such as pain, tightness, and reduced mobility. Some people may also experience emotional distress related to the appearance of their scars. Scar tissue tends to feel less flexible than normal skin, which can further affect movement and comfort.

Scar Massage Therapy can help. By reducing the buildup of scar tissue, it promotes a softer, more flexible scar, which leads to improved movement and reduced discomfort. This specialised therapy also aids in lessening the appearance of scars, bringing both physical relief and emotional healing. Surgeons often recommend Scar Massage Therapy to stimulate healing and prevent long-term complications.

What to Expect from Scar Massage Therapy

Each scar is unique, requiring a personalized approach to treatment. The size, age, location, and type of scar, along with factors such as skin tension and tissue depth, influence the treatment plan. A holistic approach in scar therapy focuses on improving tissue quality, mobility, and overall functionality, while addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of healing.

During your first session, your therapist will assess the scar and surrounding tissues, identifying any restrictions or adhesions. The treatment will include a range of techniques aimed at encouraging scar tissue to blend with healthy tissue, improving hydration, and enhancing flexibility. Postural adjustments may also be made to support better movement and functionality.

Scar therapy is generally painless, even for newer scars. Most clients describe the sensation as a gentle stretching or release, often accompanied by warmth or tingling. After the session, you may notice improved sensations in previously numb areas, as well as a newfound freedom from the tightness or other symptoms caused by the scar.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

The number of Scar Massage Therapy sessions needed varies from person to person. While multiple sessions are often recommended for optimal results, especially for older scars, they are not always necessary. For established scars (over 4 months old), a gap of at least three weeks between treatments is ideal to allow the body time to adjust. Newer scars may benefit from weekly or bi-weekly sessions, with each session lasting about 45 minutes to an hour.

Will My Scar Change?

Yes, scar therapy can create significant improvements in both the appearance and function of a scar.Unlike traditional massage techniques, this therapy uses gentle, non-invasive methods to soften adhesions and restrictions,
working from the outer layers of tissue to deeper layers. Most scars become flatter, smoother, and less prominent, even after just one treatment. As scar tissue becomes more flexible, symptoms like numbness, pain, itching, and sensitivity often diminish.

The age of a scar doesn’t limit its response to treatment. Scar therapy promotes hydration and tissue health, minimizing the lumps and bumps associated with scars and preventing excessive stiffness.

Can Older Scars Be Treated?

Absolutely. Scar Massage Therapy is effective on scars of all ages, including those that are years or even decades old. While the surface of a scar may appear healed, deeper layers of tissue can still be affected by adhesions or tension. Scar therapy addresses both surface and deeper tissues, making it an ideal treatment for scars resulting from accidents, surgeries, or cosmetic procedures.

Scars that can benefit from therapy include:

  • Hip replacements
  • Traffic accident injuries
  • Skin grafts
  • Heart surgeries
  • Keyhole surgeries
  • Facial scars
  • Knee, foot, or abdominal surgeries
  • Appendix or gallbladder removal
  • Caesarean sections
  • Hysterectomies
  • Breast surgeries (including post-cancer treatment)
  • Cosmetic surgeries (tummy tucks, breast augmentation)
  • Spinal surgeries
  • Burns and amputations

Treatment can begin once the scar is fully healed, dry, and free from infection.

When Can I Start Scar Therapy for a New Scar?

For newer scars, you should wait until the wound is fully closed, dry, and free from inflammation or infection before starting direct scar therapy. Typically, this is around 8-10 weeks post-op or when you’ve been discharged by your doctor. If you’re cleared for soft tissue therapy or massage, you can begin scar therapy treatments.

How to Book

Scar therapy sessions are available from 60 to 75 minutes, starting at £130. To book an appointment or learn more about the treatment options, call 0208 672 4455 to speak with Elaine, who will help guide your treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Elaine’s qualifications include TMD therapy (intra and extra oral massage), Oncology Massage Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Remedial Massage, Myofascial Release, Pre and Post Natal Massage, and specialized training in scar therapy techniques, including post-cancer care and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Hot Basalt Stone Massage for your Winter Wellbeing

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With the winter months upon us and chilly days ahead, this is an opportune time to try something new, something luxuriously warm, therapeutic and deeply relaxing. Massages are a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy some time away from the pressures of life but when hot stones are added to the equation, a routine massage session is transformed to deeper dimension as the penetrating heat of the stones helps to alleviate stress; relieving muscular tension/spasms, improving circulation and nutrition to muscles, reducing congestion and creating an extraordinary feeling of cocooned warmth, comfort and relaxation. Based on the principles of hydrotherapy, the heat of the stones penetrate muscle tension at the deepest level, allowing the muscles to relax 4-5 times faster than a standard body massage with the effects lasting for up to 72 hours – calming the mind, warming the body and giving welcome relief from the effects of physical and mental stress….what’s not to love?!

What is a Hot Stone massage?

Dating back more than 2,000 years, a hot stone massage is a popular complementary therapy practised worldwide with a rich history of its therapeutic and healing purposes. The therapeutic use of stones is believed to have originated in ancient China, where heated stones were applied to improve internal organ function and assist with healing. However, it also has links with Ayurvedic (Indian), Native American, Hawaiian and Japanese massage traditions. A Hot Stone Massage uses the direct heat and pressure of warm volcanic Basalt stones that initially relax the nervous system with the soothing, comfortable heat (similar to lying in hot bath) which then slowly diffuses deep into the muscle layers, the effects lasting for many hours.

During a hot stone massage, the techniques of a regular massage are applied using a variety of stones, their shape and size determining their application to the shape of the body. By placing hot stones at key points on your body before the massage begins, the tension is alleviated before any hands on, making it easier to give an effective deep but soothing deep tissue massage. I like to use the heated stones as extensions of my hands for a deep muscle massage without having to apply too much pressure as the firmness and heat of the stones simply melt into the body. The warmed stones are surprisingly comforting and can be placed anywhere you are feeling pain or tension: think about the curve of your spine, on the backs of your thighs and calves or even on your stomach and neck.

The stones I use are typically basalt and are heated in a specialised hot stone warmer (not a slow cooker!) to a temperature of approximately 135° F. Basalt is a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that has been smoothed by the river or sea. This type of stone is rich in iron, so it retains heat for a long period of time, making them ideal to placed at specific points on the body and/or used to help facilitate the effects of a deep tissue massage as the direct heat of the stone, typically applied with an aromatic blend of oils, allows me to sink effortlessly into areas of tension – perfect for upper body tension, lower back ache and generalised tension.

The link between Hot Stone therapy and wellbeing

Hot Stone Massage has been shown to be effective for a wide range of therapeutic uses. As heat is enormously comforting from a neurophysiological standpoint, the benefits are wide reaching, particularly with chronic pain as the heat allows access to the deeper muscle tissues which leads to greater muscle relaxation, decreased muscle spasms, increased range of motion and most importantly – reduced pain.

Hot stone massage has been shown to relieve a variety of painful conditions such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. According to a 2002 study, people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of substance P (a substance involved in transmitting pain signals) than people with the condition who received relaxation therapy. A 2013 study also found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from a moderate-pressure massage, such as hot stone massage. Participants in the study experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and a greater range of motion after one month of massage therapy.

Key benefits 

Pain relief: Hot stone massage has specifically been associated with symptom relief in people with a variety of conditions, such as fibromyalgia and general physical aches and pains

Reducing stress hormones: Experiencing the natural smoothness and heat of the Basalt stones help to switch the fight/flight switch into ‘pause’ as the parasympathetic nervous system allows our breathing to deepen, heart rate to slow down and boosts our immune system

Decreasing muscle spasms and tension: Muscles that are tense and in spasm cause pain will eventually impact with daily life. Reducing the infalmmation and tension in the skeletal muscles eases both muscle spasms and pain. Targeted heat from hot stones helps warm your muscles for better manipulation during the massage

Sleep improvements : The long lasting effects of the treatment help to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting restful sleep by inducing alpha and theta waves (very deep relaxation)

Better immunity: A scientific study evidenced an increase in lymphocytes after a single session of Swedish massage. Lymphocytes help white blood cells fight infection in the body. Adding hot stone therapy before your Swedish massage might enhance the effectiveness of the massage to boost your infection-fighting cells.

There are a variety of treatments implementing the healing energy of hot stones as either a standalone treatment or in combination with aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, and many others on offer at reCentre Health. So, if you’re feeling tired, achey or in need of a much needed boost before the days are shorter, a hot stone massage may be your much needed rock!

References:

Impact of hot stone massage therapy on sleep quality in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: A randomized controlled trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6734672/

Rheumatoid arthritis in upper limbs benefits from moderate pressure massage therapy: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23561068/

Adults Demonstrate Modified Immune Response After Receiving Massage, Cedars-Sinai Researchers Show: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/adults-demonstrate-modified-immune-response-after-receiving-massage-cedars-sinai-researchers-show/ 

The necessity of relaxation therapy for Long Covid sufferers

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The ongoing impact of Covid-19 is challenging for all as, but for those suffering from Long Covid it is particularly concerning as to date, there is little known about this growing health phenomenon.  The road to recovery for Long Covid sufferers appears to be a process of many up and downs with an array of varied symptoms posing emotional and physical daily challenges, often more common than previously thought or heard about. However, there is hope with some recent research into how massage can help.

Who are the Long Covid Sufferers?

In guidelines for clinicians, published by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), two definitions of post-acute COVID-19 are given:

  1. Ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 for people who still have symptoms between 4 and 12 weeks after the start of acute symptoms.
  2. Post-COVID-19 syndrome (or Long COVID) for people who still have symptoms for more than 12 weeks after the start of acute symptoms.

These lingering symptoms can include any and all of the following:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Brain fog and memory problems
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Altered or loss of taste and/or smell
  • Headaches
  • Joint Pain
  • Persistent Cough
  • Insomnia
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Dizziness
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Joint pain and numbness
  • Nausea
  • Digestive issues

Long COVID can present with clusters of symptoms that are often overlapping and/or fluctuating such as ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For some, the effects of Covid-19 seems to linger for months after the virus leaves their bodies with many still experiencing symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath nearly a year later. However, in my experience the major overriding symptom or awareness appears to be that of a constant feeling of stress and/or anxiety.

The exciting link between massage and boosted white blood cells

But there is good news for recovery, current research from the University of Roehampton in London has revealed that a simple massage reduces anxiety and boosts your immune system, helping to fight infection and disease by increasing your white blood cell count – crucial in the function of our immune system and fighting infections.

The research into the link between massage and white blood cells was initially prompted after a study that found patients with HIV had a boosted white cell count after receiving massage. As HIV is a disease that attacks the immune system and specific white blood cells called T-Lymphocytes, these finding were seen as extremely important.

In a recent BBC documentary called ‘Trust Me I’m a doctor’, a leading immunologist; Professor Fulvio D’Acquisto asked seven volunteers to experience a massage to see if massage treatments could have the same effect on people who don’t have serious immune conditions.

Method:

  1. A blood sample was taken from each volunteer and analysed for the number of T-Lymphocytes which served as a baseline reading.
  2. Volunteers were then asked to lie down and relax for hour before taking another blood sample as a control reading. This was to make sure the experiment could show that any changes in the white blood cell count were due to massage and not simply an hour of relaxation.
  3. The volunteers then had an hour’s full body massage before taking a third and final blood test

Results:
The encouraging results showed a massive 70% increase of white blood cells following a one-hour massage. This was a much higher result than they found after relaxing for an hour.

It was found that because white blood cells are stored in certain glands which are connected to the skin through nerves, a massage serves to stimulate the nerves, allowing these glands to release white blood cells into the body’s circulation. T-lymphocytes perform various functions in the body involved with growth and repair, which could explain why massage has been reported to help with so many conditions.

So how does Aromatherapy massage help with Long Covid?

Treating anyone in need of nurturing and offering a compassionate touch that invites the nervous system to pause and re charge has always been a primary focus of my work, regardless of the condition. Having now had the opportunity to work with many ‘Covid-19 long haulers’ it is evident that a targeted therapeutic approach utilising massage and aromatherapy can influence a highly reactive nervous system into a state of calmness, bringing much needed relief and in some cases, helping to shorten the pathway to recovery.

Depending on your needs, primarily a treatment strategy that focuses on decreasing anxiety combined with massage, breath work and aromatherapy seems to be an effective and deeply relaxing approach. Aromatherapy is a well researched complementary therapy, which uses essential oils derived from plants and flowers. It is designed to treat the whole body, and it aims to assist with the body’s natural ability to heal and recover from stress and illness. It is one of the most popular complementary therapies, with essential oils used to treat and prevent illness, as well as encourage rest and relaxation at your own unique pace.

 

Links and further reading:

Could massage boost your immune system?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5J0WJKFqPT3VCN9KwzbQCFd/could-massage-boost-your-immune-system

Aromatherapy: Do essential oils really work?
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage – everything you need to know

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage, also known as MLD is a type of hands on clinical massage. Although it is a massage, it is very different to what you expect from a traditional massage and not to be confused. MLD specifically focuses on the vessels within the lymphatic and circulatory system to help to promote the movement of lymphatic fluid. 

The Lymphatic System
Our bodies have many different systems working at the same time including the lymphatic system. Also known as the lymph system, it is a large structure of vessels around the body, passing through most of the tissues to allow movement of a fluid called lymph. The system makes up part of your immune system and consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymph organs and lymphatic fluid.

Lymphatic fluid is a colourless liquid which flows through the lymph vessels, connecting to a group of lymph nodes throughout the body. The nodes contain white blood cells which help to fight bacteria and damaged cells in the body. The lymphatic fluid then carries any waste products back into the bloodstream for the liver or kidneys to remove.  If the lymph nodes are fighting an infection, they may become swollen and sore to touch. 

Who can benefit from MLD?
MLD is a safe treatment for many conditions, including during pregnancy. Which conditions can MLD help with:

  • Lymphedema
  • Phlebedema
  • Lipedema
  • Traumatic edema
  • Arthropathy
  • Sudeck’s athrophy
  • Rheumatic diseases
  • Long Covid – Recent studies shows complementary effect with other techniques used to treat long covid-19
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Post surgery
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • During 3rd trimester of pregnancy can help with swollen legs

Even if you don’t fall into any of the above categories, there are also a few signs other signs which can tell you that your lymphatic system may need some stimulating: 

  • Allergies and/or food sensitivities
  • Bloating
  • Brain fog
  • Chronic lethargy (persistent tiredness)
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Digestive problems

There are some conditions where MLD is contraindicated which means a technique or treatment should not be used. The contraindications for MLD include:

  • Malignant tumours
  • Acute infections
  • Cellulitis
  • Deep venous thrombosis
  • Thrombosis
  • Cardiac decompensation

If you have any specific conditions not listed, please consult your GP before booking an appointment.

What is MLD massage
MLD helps to promote the flow of lymphatic fluid through the vessels to improve how the system is working. It is a very light skin-stretching massage using slow and controlled techniques and the treatment is completely painless using a constant soft pressure. Your therapist may use a variety of techniques all with their own purpose. The different techniques can include; stationary circles, scoop, pump and rotary technique and thumb circles. These techniques may be new to you as they are not commonly used in other types of massage. 

The aim of the slow purposeful techniques is to relax your nervous system whilst promoting movement within your lymphatic system. The specific techniques used help to increase the rhythmic contractions of the lymphatic vessels to enhance their activity to speed up and reroute stagnant lymphatic fluid…quite the opposite of a deep tissue or sports massage! 

MLD can have huge benefits including:

  • Relaxation and calming
  • Pain relief
  • Stimulating the immune system
  • Decongesting
  • Reduce oedema (swelling caused by a buildup of fluid)
  • Reducing inflammation 
  • Supporting cellular oxygenation and nourishment

What happens during your appointment
Your first appointment is 90 minutes and starts with a full assessment including a full medical history and conditions you would like help with. This is then followed by your hands on treatment which is either performed on the top or bottom half of your body, depending on your assessment. 

You will be asked to take your clothes off (top or bottom), as the treatment requires precise hand to skin touch but you will be covered by towels and your therapist will only expose the area needed. 

You will be lying down on the treatment couch and covered with a blanket to keep you warm, help you unwind and relax, calming music may also be played if you prefer. Your therapist won’t speak to you much during treatment to allow your nervous system to be completely undistributed. Promoting relaxation as much as possible during MLD is important as this allows your muscles to loosen allowing the lymphatic system to fully engage.

Once you have had your first appointment, follow-up appointments are 60 minutes. Many of the benefits and improvements from having MLD can be seen after the first – third session depending on the condition your therapist is treating. We recommend your treatment plan should contain 8-10 sessions in total, having one session once a week or once every two weeks over a time frame of 3 months. 

How to book an appointment
To book your first appointment, call our reception team and they will schedule a time that works best for you or you can book online here:

https://recentre-health.co.uk/clinical-massage-bookings/ 

We will then book any follow-up appointments in the clinic. We also offer discounted treatment packages for follow-up appointments. 

Frist appointment
£119 – 90 minutes

Follow-up
£89 – 60 minutes

Therapists:
Aga and Jesse

Why facial therapy is more than skin deep

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Facial tension, jaw pain, tension in the neck and shoulders…sound familiar?

These are common symptoms of our daily habits – far too many hours spent with technology causing achy shoulders and a tired neck, but have you ever thought about the impact on your face and jaw?!

It can take days, months and even years before the tension appears but other tell-tale signs can include headaches, teeth clenching, teeth grinding (TMJD), tech-neck and a face that feels tired and has a lack lustre appearance

As a well-seasoned integrated manual therapist and with my own aches and pains, I am acutely aware of approaching and treating the body as a whole and understand an interruption in one area will always impact somewhere along the bodies intricate lines of fascial communication.

One of my favourite areas of interest is the amazing network of facial muscles and their significant anatomical link to the scalp, neck, shoulders and even the pelvis. In my experience, many clients often sense the tension in the face first, the spine and the body following (versus the other way around) as hunching over in our everyday activities and prolonged periods of tilting our heads often results in a huge amount of stress permeating the face, particularly the jaw, neck, and shoulders.

Did you know when the head is in a neutral position it weighs approximately 10-12 lbs but with a forward head posture, looking down at a 15 degree angle the amount of weight increases to an incredible 27 lbs and with a 30-degree tilt, 40 lbs!! It is no wonder that constantly looking at screens can cause some pain!

The architecture of our faces and the link with emotional well being

Skin is our largest sensory organ and there are over 24 muscles individual muscles on each side of the face, linking the skin of the face to the bony skull primed to perform our vital functions for daily life: chewing and the expression of emotion via facial expressions.  Any interruption (tension) to this delicate symphony may well be the culprit to not only feeling tension but also a tired complexion.

Research has shown that skin senses external information in a similar pattern to the brain such as assessing the strength of light, colour and sound which therefore links our physical and emotional worlds. Due to this, during a period of increased stress our cortisol levels rise, triggering a hormonal cascade in the body which ca affect our sleep, energy levels and ultimately the way we look and feel.

The tension built up in our neck and face can also deprive the facial tissues of moisture – also known as hyaluronan and a host of other lubricating factors that enable fluids to glide within the tissues, this leads to your circulation and other important aspects of movement to be compromised.  So, it makes perfect session that we notice how sallow and tired our complexion appears with increased tension.

An informed use of touch, particularly to the face, has been shown to lower blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels, stimulate the memory center of the brain, and drive the release of a host of hormones that link to positive and uplifting emotions, as found by Tiffany Filed, the head of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine also proving that long term stress delays the skin barrier recovery.

So how does facial therapy help?

Facial therapy offers a range of manual therapy techniques such as clinical massage to address the deep seated tension, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and acupressure. Extending a treatment beyond the face to incorporate the scalp, neck and shoulders are key factors for addressing and successfully treating chronic tension. If your jaw is the main culprit, external and intra-oral techniques are utilised depending on your comfort level and requirements with exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the jaw and neck as a home care option.

One of the main benefits of facial massage is its ability to improve the overall appearance of skin, the results of facial therapy are often a reduction in puffiness, a visible difference to the firmness of the skin and that covetable healthy, rested glow – an unexpected bonus!

My top 3 simple tips for improving face and neck tension

  1. Posture: think about lifting your chest to make the space between your ribs and pelvis lengthen and as you inhale and exhale, bring your awareness to your shoulders, letting them drop as much as possible. Note how much easier it is to breathe and how the balanced the head feels on top of your spine
  2. Jaw tension: placing your fingers below your cheek bone in front of your ears, clench your teeth together to feel those chewing muscles in action. Slowly, very slowly, press into the muscles with the pads of your fingertips and glide down towards the jaw line. You can also use your knuckles.
  3. Face massage: Try opening your mouth and gently rubbing the muscles next to your ears on either side of your face in a circular motion, incorporating the cheeks and forehead.

References:

Facial Expressions of Emotion Reveal Neuroendocrine and Cardiovascular Stress Responses:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322306010614

Social touch, CT touch and massage therapy: A narrative review:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273229718300510

The effects of anxiety and frustration on muscular tension related to the temporomandibular joint syndrome:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0030422073901539

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