Joana’s Bowen and Scar therapy

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Joana’s Bowen and Scar therapy

Musculoskeletal therapy to help people with pain and discomfort during any stage of life. From birth Health

06/08/2026

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that many people are told to massage their scar... but very few are shown how.

I often hear:
 “I’ve been putting cream on it, but I don’t know if I’m doing it properly.”

One of the biggest mistakes I see is using lotion for the whole massage.

Moisturising is important, but too much glide means your fingers slide over the skin instead of helping the tissues underneath move.

That’s why I usually recommend working on dry skin first, then applying moisturiser afterwards.

Done correctly, scar massage can help:
 ✨ Soften scar tissue and adhesions ✨ Improve blood and lymphatic flow ✨ Reduce tightness ✨ Restore movement

Every scar is different, which is why I teach each client techniques tailored to their scar. The work you do at home between sessions is ofte where so much of the progress happens. 💜

05/08/2026

Not all scars are the same.
Some are raised, some are sunken, and some look completely flat. But a scar’s appearance doesn’t always reflect what’s happening beneath the surface.
As a scar heals, collagen fibres are laid down to repair the tissue. Sometimes these fibres bind to the layers underneath, creating adhesions that may contribute to tightness, discomfort, restricted movement or changes in sensation—even when the scar looks flat and well healed.
Swipe through to learn about the different types of scars and why appearance alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
💬 Which type of scar do you have?

02/08/2026

What can you do at home to support your DIEP flap scar? 👇

Once your wound is fully healed and you have been cleared to begin scar care:

✨ Moisturise regularly to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
✨ Massage the scar and surrounding area. I often teach clients to begin on clean, dry skin so they can feel how the tissues move.
✨ Use scar-care tools, such as a small silicone cup, when advised. Gentle pumping and lifting may help mobilise restricted tissue and support lymphatic drainage.
✨ Consider silicone gel or sheets to help retain moisture and support a softer, flatter scar.

Everyone’s scar and recovery are different, so always check with your surgeon or scar therapist before starting.

I talk my clients through each step in detail. Consistent, appropriate homework helps us make better use of every treatment session and supports progress between appointments.

Save this for your DIEP flap recovery journey. 🤍

29/07/2026

Back tightness after breast surgery or oncology treatment, including radiotherapy, can have several contributing factors.

Scar tissue and adhesions may affect how the surrounding tissues move. Over time, this can influence your posture, mobility and the way your muscles work together.

In my approach, recovery is rarely about just one technique. I focus on hands-on Scar and Bowen therapy, and when appropriate, supportive medical devices. I may also suggest gentle stretching or self-massage to do at home.

In this treatment, I’m using DEEP OSCILLATION® and LymphaTouch Pro® alongside manual techniques to support the individual’s recovery.

Every recovery is different, so care should always be tailored to you and coordinated with your medical or oncology team.

Have you experienced tightness after breast surgery or radiotherapy? Let me know below.

23/07/2026

She had six breast reconstruction surgeries and, when she came to me, her scars looked flat and well healed—on the surface.

However, every time she tried to lift her arm, something stopped her.

As a former yoga teacher, she knew how to stretch. This wasn’t a lack of flexibility.

Somewhere during those six surgeries, a layer of scar tissue had healed too tightly.

The restriction wasn’t in the scar you could see—it was deep beneath the reconstructed breast, hidden under layers of tissue.

That’s why the scar looked “fine”, yet she was experiencing sensitivity and a tight pulling sensation beneath her breast.

After just one scar therapy session, the sensitivity beneath her breast eased, and after the second session she could lift her arm more freely.

✨ Not every problematic scar is raised, red or visibly pulling.

Sometimes the deepest restrictions are the ones you can’t see.

If your breast reconstruction feels tight or your shoulder movement has never been the same, it may be worth assessing the scar—not just the muscles.

Comment “SCAR” if you’d like to book a call and find out whether scar therapy could help.

19/07/2026

Can a scar affect a completely different part of your body?

This client came to see me with an abdominal scar. As I released the scar tissue, he felt the tension ease all the way up into his shoulder.

Scar tissue behaves very differently from muscle.

Unlike muscle, a scar doesn’t contract and relax. When it becomes tight or adherent, it can restrict movement and create tension through the surrounding fascia, sometimes affecting areas far away from the scar itself.

That’s why I always assess the whole body—not just the scar.

I’m Joana, a specialised scar therapist helping people recover movement, reduce tightness and feel more comfortable after surgery.

Have you ever noticed a scar affecting another part of your body? Let me know in the comments.

17/07/2026

☀️ Did you know your scar has no natural SPF protection?

That’s right — scar tissue is much more vulnerable to sun damage, which can lead to burning, increased sensitivity, discolouration, and slower healing.

🧴 To protect your scar, it’s important to apply SPF 50 whenever you’re outside — ideally for at least 5 years after surgery.

👉 For smaller scars, a sunblock stick is super handy — you can roll it directly over the scar and reapply as needed. And where possible, try to keep the scar covered.

✨ Did you know there are now silicone gels and scar treatment lotions that contain SPF protection too? These offer the benefits of scar care and sun protection in one!

Got questions or need product recommendations?
📩 Get in touch — I’m happy to help.

15/07/2026

Sometimes the biggest changes are the ones you almost miss.

This client came to me after radiotherapy, two episodes of capsular contracture, and implant removal.

Five years later, her chest still felt tight, compressed and restricted.

At first glance, the difference is subtle.

But watch the skin.

Before, it barely moved. Now, it glides much more freely.

Using Deep Oscillation®, Lymphatouch Pro® and manual scar therapy, we’re gradually softening the fibrotic tissue layer by layer.

The result? Less shoulder pain, longer at her desk without discomfort, and everyday movement feels easier.

If your chest still feels tight years after surgery or radiotherapy, it doesn’t always mean that’s as good as it gets. Every scar deserves an individual assessment. 🤍

12/07/2026

Hi, I’m Joana, a Scar Therapy Specialist helping people recover from breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy.

This lady developed radiotherapy fibrosis, leaving her chest feeling leathery, tight and disconnected from the rest of her body. The restriction became so severe that she couldn’t lift her arm to tie her own shoelaces without feeling a pull on her arm.

Using specialised scar therapy alongside advanced medical technologies like LymphaTouch® Pro and Deep Oscillation®, we worked to soften the fibrosis, improve tissue mobility and restore movement.

Three months later, she had regained shoulder movement, her pain had reduced, her skin felt softer, and for the first time in a long time, her chest felt like part of her body again.

Recovery is possible. You don’t have to accept tightness and restriction as your new normal.

DM me “HEAL” to book a free discovery call

Address

Canary Wharf
London

Telephone

+447581322214

Website

https://www.joanasbowentherapy.co.uk/contact

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