Lymphatics vs Scar Tissue Release Therapy – What’s the Difference?
The Scar Tissue Release and Integrated Therapies Method —S.T.R.A.I.T™ Method, for short — is a three-dimensional, fascial-release system that works to minimize scar-tissue development and the subsequent physiological restrictions. Utilizing multiple manual techniques adhered tissues are released and then realigned from their starting point, which is the visible scar, to their endpoint — where the line of frozen fascia stops. Once the scar is released the rehab phase where ROM Stretching/strengthening and body mechanics exercises are applied in order to reset the body.
How does this differ from Lymphatic massage treatment or scar tissue?
When surgery is performed the initial lymphatic vessels are cut, and these initial lymphatic vessels are located just under the skin the fluid is then transported to the pre-collectors, then to the collector channels which are located deep in the body running parallel to the arteries and veins. Over time the initial lymph vessels will reform to continue working but as scar tissue forms they can be inhibited in their function to reduce swelling.
Scars and adhesions disrupt the network of lymph capillaries that lie just under the skin. … When performing manual lymph drainage or simplified lymphatic drainage, scars can interrupt the lymph flow. When there is a scar in the stroke pathway, it is recommended that you stroke around the scar and not through it. This is recommended because lymph vessels within the scar tissue have been disrupted the transfer of fluid across a scar is usually ineffective … Lymphedema Caregiver’s Guide by M. K. Kearse, PT, CLT-LANA, E. McMahon Ph.D., and A. Ehrlich, MA. Lymph Notes 2009, page 91.
HUTZSCHENREUTER has demonstrated in a study that MLD improves wound healing and optimizes the scarring process. Damaged lymph drainage routes can be restored in existing scars. If post-surgical scars interrupt the lymphatic pathways and local edemas form, they can be drained away, while MLD scar treatment reconnects the interrupted drainage routes. MLD also has a salutary effect on large scars, such as those caused by burns. Hyperkeratotic scars cease their itching, the deep reddening of the scar area pales and the scar tissue softens. However, with lymphatic drainage, much time must be spent on scar therapy.
The S.T.R.A.I.T™ Method opens the tissue quickly allowing for a more effective and flowing lymphatic treatment.
“Lymphatics isn’t for scar, different systems. At best, lymphatic drainage would decrease tension on a scar. I’d have it another way round, scar work for lymphatics, both are important and often related, but different i.e writing vs mathematics-great tools but different languages.” Jocelyn Kope, Capetown, South Africa
Therapies are being applied with a total lack of understanding of the physiology of scar tissue. There is little or worse no knowledge behind the events that caused the scars i.e. surgeries, accidents, and what the corrective procedures actually did to the body. No attention is paid to the psychological & emotional trauma surrounding the event. Few look for the possible compensations the body may have complied in response to restrictions and what releasing those restrictions without proper rehab would do.
“The S.T.R.A.I.T™ Method includes the psychology of the body and incorporates a full spectrum whole body experience vs just tackling the scar tissue as taught by other modalities.” Jen Adams, Alabama, USA
There are so many wonderful forms of therapy available today to help people on their journey to balance health and wellness. No one is better than the other, rather we have to find the right one, or combination thereof, that works for each individual. That being said, there is nothing more important than recognizing the effect scars are having on a person. In order for any therapy to be fully effective, you have to clear and release any and all scars that are impeding the body’s function. In other words, scar tissue release is the first step then you may proceed with any and all therapies that resonate with the patient.
》A B O U T M A R J O R I E B R O O K
Marjorie Brook, LMT is a massage therapist, author and international educator. For over 21 years, she has specialized in scar tissue release and massage therapy. She works from the fundamental belief that your body is intuitively aligned with the thoughts you think, the emotions that you feel and the things that you do. She founded Brooks Seminars in 2007 after working as a decade as a nationally recognized massage therapist with a private practice on Long Island. She is the creator of the Scar Tissue Release and Integrated Therapies (S.T.R.A.I.T Method™) and offers continuing education courses on this method all over the world. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as Massage Today, American Fitness and Massage World. She’s approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta and the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia.