Scar Massage - using Mcloughlin Scar Tissue Release (MSTR)
- Jun 15, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 3, 2025
Scars can have a huge impact on the way our body operates. When a scar forms, the body produces collagen and this is what the body uses to repair itself. The results of this repair causes the tissue under the scar to become a thicken fibrous mass which can impede the circulation of blood and congests the lymph flow and it can also have an impact on the Range of Movement.
As well as affecting the site of the scar, because this non elastic fibrous collagen tissue has been produced, the scar has a pulling and dragging affects the facial membrane which covers our muscles, organs and glands.
Scars can come from:
- War wounds
- Automobile accidents
- Emergency life threatening surgeries
- Personal attacks (knife wound' bullet wounds)
- C- Sections
Often these scars can hold psychological and emotional restrictions. These may include:
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Shock
- Trauma
- Failure
- Guilt
- Feelings of 'disconnection'.
When looking at C-Section post operative, physical effects may include
- Low back pain
- Abdominal Pain
- Restriction and pain upon flexion & Extension of the spine
- Bladder & Bowel problems
Please note there are contraindications where MSTR would not be affective:
- Any scars under 8 weeks old.
- Surgical Mesh - If you are aware surgical mesh has been used as part of the surgical procedure MSTR may irritate the mesh.
- Infections / Contagious infections
- Fragile Tissue - Thin /ageing tissue - MSTR may reopen the scar tissue
- Bruising/Swelling - The area maybe too painful to do MSTR
- Active Skin Conditions - Eczema, rash, Psoriasis
- Sunburn
- Trauma - If you are currently receiving counselling for trauma
MSTR - Mcloughlin Scar Tissue Release is a gentle technique which is used to break down the collagen fibres to help restore the tissue which may help to reduce pain, improve range of movement and visually improve the look of the scar.
This video shows how the Scar changes after 1 treatment of MSTR
FAQS
Does Scar Massage Hurt?
No, Scar Massage requires very light touch to the scar using a series of moves, you may feel a sensation when the scar is released.
Is Scar Massage treated through clothing?
Scar Massage is carried out directly on the skin.
How long does the Treatment take?
Depending on the Scar, the Treatment can take up to 30 mins
How many times do I need to have the Treatment?
Changes may be noticed during the first treatment, but depending on the scar, a few Treatments may be requires to improve the scar fully.
Once the scar is treated will the scar tissue build up again?
Once the scar has been treated it should not build up again, unless the same site is punctured or lacerated again.
I have recently given birth/had surgery, how soon can I book to have Scar Massage?
Please wait 8 weeks after your surgery, the scar needs time to heal before massage can be applied.
I have had a scar which I have had since a very young age, will scar massage work?
Scar Massage can help any age of Scar.
Have you had Scar Massage done to you?
I was introduced to Scar Massage back in 2019. A colleague had recently trained to become and MSTR Teacher. She insisted on showing me this technique on the scar I had on my neck. This was from surgery I had when I was very young. After just 1 session I was amazed at the result.
Before having the Treatment I was always aware of my scar and I could feel the site of the scar when I touched it.
During the Treatment it felt like my colleague was tugging at each entry point of each stitch. It was a very unusual sensation. After the Treatment I could no longer feel the line of scar and also the range of movement in my neck also improved and that was something I was not aware had a problem with.
Does the Scar have to be a particular size?
It is possible to work on any size of Scar, big or small, but please note if the scar is very large I may have to work on the scar in sections, and this may require extra Treatments. A plan can be agreed during your first Treatment.