John,
I have been practicing the JFB MFR approach since 1996 and have been amazed at the relationship between headache pain and old post-operative scars (i.e. C-section, hysterectomy). Can you please elaborate on your experiences and findings with scars in general? Thank you for your continued guidance and effort in providing real effective treatment approaches that addresses the whole individual.
–Richard Staudt, MOT, OTR/L, LMT
Hello Richard,
Your question about scars is a very good one. Often times scars get overlooked, even though they can be the source of many problems.
Scar tissue can put an enormous amount of strain on the fascial system, especially in cases where the person has had multiple surgeries in the same area. If you imagine the sweater example that I have often used to illustrate the continuity of the fascial system, a restriction would be equivalent to a “pull” in the sweater. Not only is the area that is being pulled affected, but the whole sweater is affected at some degree or another. Now, if you were to then sew a few stitches (i.e. a scar) in the sweater in one of the areas of pull (restriction), you just created additional “drag” within the system. The other important thing to remember about scars is that most scars look fairly neat and uniform on the surface. However, underneath the scar you have tissue that is laid down in an irregular fashion, which helps to strengthen that vulnerable/”injured” area. In some people, there is an excessive amount of scar tissue laid down (adhesions- A fibrous band of scar tissue that binds together normally separate anatomical structures). So in other words, the scar is just the “tip of the iceberg”.
So Richard, to answer your question, I agree with you, there does seem to be a relationship between headache pain and old post-operative scars (e.g. C-section, hysterectomy, etc.) Scar tissue can create extensive dysfunction within the fascial system, thus affecting the craniosacral system. These additional restrictions can have long-reaching effects throughout the body, causing seemingly unrelated symptoms and dysfunction (e.g, headaches, migraines, depression, mood swings, etc). No scar should go unevaluated, as even the smallest one could cause significant fascial dysfunction.
Thanks for your inquiry.
John
8 responses so far ↓
Patricia // Nov 24th 2009 at 2:58 pm
I have pain almost seven yrs after complete hysterectomy/recticil surgery and it seems to be caused by nerve damage and scar tissue. I also started having a severe pain over my left ear after surgery. I’m hoping myofascial release can help. I;ve also been diagnosed with breast cancer and am in an immune recovery program. Do you think myofacial release can help shrink the tumor? Have not yet had surgery and not planing on chemo/radiation.
Mary Ryan // Dec 1st 2009 at 2:22 pm
Hello John,
Working with a person’s road-map of scars is amazing to witness. As a receiver as well as a therapist specializing in the JFB-MFR Approach.
Recently I had the privilege to work with a 69 year old woman with Scoliosis. This client had severe scar tissue/pain from a rod placed 20+years ago up her back to subsequent removal of the rod 10+years ago due to pain. She just wanted the pain to go away and be able to stand up for more than a few minutes by herself. The results are amazing. It is an amazing feeling to feel the scar “tentacles” through the body “into the abyss” and the body becoming freer as the releases occur. All the while mostly staying within one area on her lower back as the releases were occurring.
This wonderful client could not believe her legs and then hips could move without extreme effort. And she would feel her body twist into a glorious stretch to look over at me and laugh. We saw each other for a few Sessions. She then was very motivated to learn self-treatment techniques. –Because she felt her own body move. It was a very empowering experience. For both of us. Thank you John.
John F. Barnes, PT // Dec 2nd 2009 at 9:30 am
Dear Patricia,
I am sorry that you have had pain for so long. Yes, we have been successful in resolving problems with pain and tumors when all else has failed.
Check with your doctor before treating with other treatment options. My Myofascial Release treatment centers in Paoli, Pennsylvania and Sedona, Arizona treat clients from all over the world when traditional therapy, medicine, and surgery have failed to produce satisfactory results.
Scars and Myofascial restrictions can cause ongoing pain and put enormous pressure on organs and their ducts that allow these structures to drain. This can cause a back up and force the organ or area to swell, become inflamed, and create what is called a cyst or a tumor. There are no guarantees in healthcare, however we have been successful in reducing pain, tumors, cysts and eliminating the need for surgery.
I hope this helps and I wish you well.
Sincerely,
John
For more information about my treatment centers go to http://www.myofascialrelease.com
Paoli Myofascial Release Treatment Center
(610) 644-0136
Sedona Myofascial Release Treatment Center
(928) 282-3002
Ami Kalisek LMT // Mar 20th 2010 at 6:34 pm
I used to have terrible back pain that at times kept me from being able to put my own shoes on. I was in some pain daily and a lot of pain at least once a month.
Attending a skill enhancement seminar, was the first time I experienced scar release work, on a C-section scar. After 5 half hour treatments, three of them from John himself, I experienced no back pain for 4 months! I did follow up with more work, and did self treatment, but I was convinced of the power of scar releases. Now nearly 10 years later, my back remains very strong and pain free.
Thanks John!
» Myofascial Scar Release Myofascial Release // Apr 15th 2010 at 7:27 am
[...] http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/myofascial-release/2009/11/22/scars/ [...]
Jean Croll, OTR/L // Jul 1st 2010 at 6:04 pm
Dear John,
The importance of treating even old scars can’t be over-emphasized! I delivered my third child via C-section almost 18 years ago, and have been plagued by nightly heartburn since then. I tried antacids, repositioning my body at an angle while I slept, avoiding eating after 8 pm, etc, but I could never seem to get much relief. In desperation one night last winter when I couldn’t get my heartburn to calm down, I lay on a small therapy ball positioned on my C-section scar (specifically, the area which I now remember got infected while I was still in the hospital) and the heartburn disappeared! I no longer get heartburn most nights, and when I do, I just lie on the ball for a few minutes.
Thank you for teaching us to treat the whole body! I now tell this story to my clients so they can understand how important it is to treat restrictions that don’t seem to be related to their problem areas.
Yaakov // Feb 21st 2011 at 5:24 pm
OMG! What an eye opener!
I had repair surgery to my left shoulder 48 years ago, & then surgery to repair a damaged kidney a couple years later (grew in a tough neighborhood). For years I’ve been having attacks of pain from what it turns out to be Myofacial trigger points in my left upper back/shoulder. Now I see where they came from.
kamagra // Jul 18th 2011 at 2:07 am
Such a wonderful blog i ever read. Please keep posting good blogs. Thank you very much.
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