When we think of a scar, we usually think about what we can see on the surface of the skin. Once the stitches are out and the wound has closed over, it’s easy to assume the healing process is finished.
However, what happens underneath the surface tells a much bigger story.
As your body repairs itself after surgery or an injury, it lays down collagen fibres to bridge the gap. Unlike healthy tissue, which weaves together neatly and glides smoothly as you move, scar tissue tends to form in a tighter, more disorganised web. Over time, this can bind to deeper layers of fascia, muscle, and connective tissue—creating an internal "anchor" that pulls, restricts movement, or causes lingering discomfort long after the initial wound has healed.
To help our clients address these often-overlooked restrictions, Laura has recently completed specialised training in Oncology & Post-Surgical Scar Therapy, adding to her qualifications in Remedial Massage, Oncology Massage, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
What Does Scar Therapy Feel Like, and How Does It Help?
Contrary to what some might expect, Scar Therapy isn’t about forcefully "breaking up" tissue. It uses gentle, precise hands-on techniques to encourage tight, bound-down layers of skin and fascia to soften, hydrate, and glide freely again.
Working with a scar can make a noticeable difference in several ways:
Easing that "pulling" or tight sensation: Releasing underlying adhesions helps stop the scar from tugging on surrounding muscles and joints when you stretch or reach.
Settling nerve sensitivity and numbness: It is very common for scars to feel overly sensitive to touch, itchy, or completely numb. Gentle mobilisation helps calm irritated nerve endings and wake up areas that feel disconnected.
Improving mobility and posture: Whether it’s a shoulder that won't lift properly after breast surgery or a lower back that feels tight after a C-section, freeing up the scar often restores movement in areas you didn't realise were connected.
Supporting lymphatic flow: Surgical scars can act like tiny roadblocks for your lymphatic system. Because Laura is also qualified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, she looks at how the scar affects fluid movement—which is especially important for clients recovering from cancer treatments or lymph node removal.
Softening the appearance: While the primary focus is on how your body feels and moves, improving local blood flow and tissue health often helps flatten, soften, and smooth the visible scar.
What Kinds of Scars Can Be Treated?
One of the most common questions we get is, "My surgery was years ago—is it too late to treat my scar?"
The short answer is no. While early treatment (once the wound is fully closed and healed) is wonderful, even scars that are 5, 10, or 20 years old can respond remarkably well to hands-on work. Your body is constantly remodelling tissue, and it is rarely too late to release old fascial restrictions.
Laura works with a wide variety of fully healed scars, including:
Oncology-related surgeries: Mastectomy, breast reconstruction, lumpectomy, lymph node removal, and other cancer-related procedures.
Abdominal and pelvic surgeries: Caesarean sections (C-sections), hysterectomies, hernia repairs, and laparoscopic (keyhole) incisions.
Orthopaedic and joint surgeries: Knee, hip, or shoulder replacements, spinal surgeries, and tendon repairs.
Trauma and injury scars: Healed wounds from accidents, burns, or deep lacerations.
What to Expect in Your Session with Laura
Every body and every scar carries its own history. Laura takes a gentle, unhurried, and respectful approach to every session.
Your appointment begins with a thorough look at how the scar moves, how the surrounding tissues feel, and how it might be affecting your overall movement and comfort. From there, Laura tailors the treatment to your medical history, your stage of healing, and what feels comfortable for you on the day. (Note: Scar Therapy is only performed on fully healed tissue, and we may ask for medical clearance from your doctor or specialist if your surgery was very recent.)
If you have a scar that still feels tight, tender, numb, or just doesn't feel quite right in your body, we would love to help you feel more comfortable and mobile again.
Ready to book? Laura is in the clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (with Saturday hours starting in January). You can book your session online at www.centreofbalance.me or call our friendly reception team on (07) 3408 6700.