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At Vickie Maher Scar & Massage Therapies, we specialise in tailored scar therapy solutions that enhance your healing journey. Our unique techniques focus on not just physical healing but also restoring your confidence.
Advancements in detecting and treating all types of cancers have meant that surgery is often an integral part of treatment plans, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The removal of tumours, reconstructive surgery, the use of ports and stomas have all assisted in aiding survival rate. However, at times this comes with a price, resulting in complications such as tightness and pain, unsightly scaring, adhesions, axillary web syndrome (known as cording), radiation fibrosis syndrome, capsular contractor and lymphoedema to name a few. The techniques used in Oncology Scar Therapy, and oncology massage, differ significantly from those employed in Sports or Deep Tissue Massage. Considerations to touch and smell sensitivity, your current stage in the chemotherapy cycle and the associated side effects are all taken under advisement to deliver the most beneficial treatment bespoke to you.
To provide the best possible care for you we often like to communicate with your Oncology Consultant or medical team in writing before commencing therapy, especially if you have undergone complex procedures. This may be to establish what occurred during surgery and if there is any reason why scar therapy is not recommended at this time. For example: the surgeon may not recommend the tissue is mobilised in the immediate weeks after surgery because of the anticipated timelines for internal cohesions, or any settling, dissolving or embedding of foreign materials (such as internal stitching or surgical mesh).
What is Oncology Scar Therapy?
Unlike traditional massages, Scar Therapy is often performed without oils or creams, and the touch is much lighter, almost feather-like and gentle. This pain-free approach helps the scar tissue integrate with the surrounding healthy tissue, promoting fluid exchange and hydration at the scar site. It works to smooth out lumps and fill in dips, alters the structure of adhesions, and encourages greater movement in areas restricted by tight, stressed scars within the fascial network.
During the treatment, it might be appropriate to incorporate techniques such as IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation), cupping, and taping. For more advanced cases, devices like DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy) or the LymphaTouch may be recommended.
By focusing on the specific needs of each scar, patients often report noticeable improvements, including softer scar tissue, reduced localised pain, decreased restrictions, increased mobility, and an overall sense of relief and regaining some control over their bodies.
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Reduce Pain and Discomfort
Scar therapy can significantly reduce pain from issues like trapped nerves, delayed healing, adhesions, or tightness from radiotherapy burns. We can improve comfort, reduces restrictions, and promote a smoother return to daily activities
Improve Mobility
Scar tissue and adhesions can restrict movement as seen with cording or from neck and throat cancer for example. Our treatments aim to change to consistency of adhesions (they can’t be broken down) and promote flexibility, enhancing your overall range of motion.
Enhance Scar Appearance
By addressing the issues surrounding your scar, you can experience a visible improvement in the colour, texture, and overall look of your scars and surrounding tissue, helping you feel more confident in your skin.
Restore Sensation
Many people with scars experience numbness or altered sensation including hypersensitivity. Our therapies focus on restoring normal sensation in affected areas, promoting a better connection with your body.
Boosts Emotional Wellbeing
You may feel as though you've been examined and treated by medical professionals without consideration for the person inside. Through therapeutic touch, we seek to reconnect with the person within and help them re-emerge. Additionally, we provide self-care guidance, empowering you to take an active role in your recovery.
Supports Post-Op Recovery
Scar therapy plays a crucial role in post-operative care, assisting in lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling, which in turn should minimise the development of adhesions and excessive scar tissue formation.
Ready to begin your healing journey?
Pricing & Packages
Generally, more than one treatment is required to get the desired results. However, it is hard to say exactly how many you may need. The quantity and frequency of treatments depend on a number of factors, such as the age of the scar and other issues it is causing.
With this in mind, as well as “pay as you go”, two other packages are available, both offering great value for money. All treatments last one hour.
Single treatment:
£85
Book a one hour pay as you go session.
6 for 5:
£425
Get 6 treatment for the price of 5, saving £85.
How does it work?
The Scar Therapy practices used in our clinic are distinct from traditional massage techniques. Depending on what we are presented with we may call upon pumping techniques to decongest or calm an area; stroking techniques on areas of numbness and disconnect and specialist stretching techniques on tight and puckered sites. We are also able treat hypertrophic and keloid scars, mesh, implants, stomas and areas containing metal work. If however, you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy there are some additional precautions we need to take. Please contact us to discuss your needs further.
This pain-free approach aids in:
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Integrating Scar Tissue: Encouraging the scar to blend with healthy tissue.
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Manipulating Adhesions: To reduce puckering, pulling and tension and help alleviate issues such as bowel restrictions and endometriosis relate pain.
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Hydration and Fluid Exchange: Promoting moisture at the scar site for a reduction in collagen laydown and better healing.
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Reducing Lumps and Dips: Addressing uneven areas to create a smoother surface.
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Enhancing Movement: Facilitating mobility through the fascial network affected by tight scars, cording and radiotherapy burns.
Before and after transformations
Removal of BCC
Removal of Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The first picture shows 10 days post-op, utilising Medihoney for the wound and Dees Oscillation Therapy (DOT) for dispersion of bruising. The second picture, taken 4 months later, demonstrated the effects of daily self-massage and the use of silicone sheets.
Removal of BCC
Removal of Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The first picture shows 10 days post-op, utilising Medihoney for the wound and Dees Oscillation Therapy (DOT) for dispersion of bruising. The second picture, taken 4 months later, demonstrated the effects of daily self-massage and the use of silicone sheets.
Removal of BCC
Removal of Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The first picture shows 10 days post-op, utilising Medihoney for the wound and Dees Oscillation Therapy (DOT) for dispersion of bruising. The second picture, taken 4 months later, demonstrated the effects of daily self-massage and the use of silicone sheets.
Removal of BCC
Removal of Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The first picture shows 10 days post-op, utilising Medihoney for the wound and Dees Oscillation Therapy (DOT) for dispersion of bruising. The second picture, taken 4 months later, demonstrated the effects of daily self-massage and the use of silicone sheets.
What my clients say
Leg scar
Vickie was brilliant, I didn’t think that my scar would get any better as I suffer with hyperpigmentation, but after every session I saw an improvement in appearance. She had all the tools and techniques to help me and her knowledge and aftercare really put me at ease, you can tell she is highly qualified! All in all I’m so glad I had my scar therapy sessions with Vickie and I’ll be forever grateful to her!
Salma
Shoulder reconstruction
Vickie has been treating me since July 2023 and I have 3 significant scars, as old as 6 years now. Scarwork treatment helps me to continue building the muscle around my joints and improving my range of movement, and is essential to my goals.
Mark
Leg scar following RTA, contains pins and plates
I have been visiting Vickie and can highly recommend Vickie’s great knowledge and hands on experience of scar tissue therapy. Vickie has helped me with various scars, which has led me to gain more flexibility and mobility in my knee by reducing tucks and flattening my scars combined with soft tissue therapy. Also improving the overall appearance of my scars. Thank you Vickie.
Linda
Why choose Vickie Maher Scar Therapy?
When you choose my services, you're benefiting from over 20 years of experience in sports massage and scar therapy. I’m also a qualified Scar Therapy tutor, which means I stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and treatments. I have a special interest in C-section and hysterectomy scars, but my experience spans a wide range of conditions, including orthopaedic surgery scars, burn scars, keyhole and open surgery scars, as well as various other surgery and trauma scars.
My clinic is a friendly and welcoming space where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns and progress. With a focus on compassionate care and effective techniques, you can trust that you’re in good hands. Together, we’ll work to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.
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