SCARS: Hands-On Fascial Science (with Cathy Ryan)

Scar Tissue: Hands-On Fascial Science

Massage and manual therapy can have enormously beneficial effects on problematic scars. All types of pathological scarring—like adhesions, hypertrophic scars, and keloids—share one key trait: fibrotic collagen. The idea persists that our job as massage and manual therapists is to “break up” scar tissue, yet collagen is incredibly strong, often compared to steel, and there is no evidence that collagen is “breakable” by manual methods.

So how does hands-on work actually help people with scars? What is the potential for changing and preventing problematic scarring? Join me as I host special guest instructor Cath Ryan (coauthor of Traumatic Scar Tissue Management – Massage Therapy Principles, Practice and Protocols) as we explore the ways that our thinking, language, and our hands-on work with scars be even more precise, safe, informed, and effective.