Why is scar therapy an important area for physiotherapists to upskill in? 

Scar tissue is an unavoidable consequence of injury and surgery and physiotherapists working across general and specialist settings regularly treat patients with recent or longstanding scars. 

In recent years, the Restore Therapy trainers have been sharing their specialist courses in advanced scar tissue techniques across the globe—creating therapists with more effective approaches to manual scar treatment and patient-led self-care.

Traditional methods of scar massage (ie, simple circular massage or cross-friction techniques) alone are often insufficient to achieve optimal outcomes. 

A deeper understanding of scar classification, adhesion formation and the impact of scars on the fascial system allows physiotherapists to integrate targeted manual techniques with their knowledge of rehabilitation and strengthening exercises. 

Without this upskilling, clinicians may miss valuable opportunities to improve comfort, mobility and function for their patients. 

Who is best suited to undertake these courses? Are there any prerequisites? 

The ‘Scar therapy practitioner’ course provides physiotherapists with a comprehensive set of practical scar treatment skills, supported by self-paced online theory. 

It covers scar development, the impact of scar tissue on the fascial system and key considerations when treating scars from surgery or traumatic injury. 

The course is suitable for all physiotherapists, particularly those working in musculoskeletal practice, hand therapy, burns, pelvic health, post-cosmetic surgery and lymphoedema management. 

No additional prerequisites are required and the course can be completed as a standalone qualification. 

The ‘Caesarean scar specialist’ course offers a more focused pathway, providing physiotherapists with a clear, structured approach to supporting women following caesarean birth. 

Both courses deliver practical skills, assessment frameworks and clinical reasoning strategies for managing acute and chronic scar-related symptoms, alongside guidance for developing personalised selfscar care programs. 

How do caesarean scars differ from other types of scars and why is there a dedicated course? 

While all surgeries and injuries can result in variable external and internal scar formation, caesarean scars present unique challenges. 

Key differences include pelvic girdle changes following pregnancy, the significant reduction in uterine size in the weeks after surgery and the physical demands placed on new mothers during recovery. 

Unlike with other abdominal surgeries, people recovering from caesarean birth often spend prolonged periods in flexed or compressed postures while feeding and caring for their newborn. 

This can contribute to tissue adherence from superficial to deep layers, altering the contour of the lower abdomen and sometimes leading to pain or functional symptoms. 

Hip and lower back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating and bowel issues may all be associated with caesarean scar restrictions. 

With rising caesarean rates and increasing awareness—particularly through social media—there is growing demand for therapists specifically trained in this area. 

The ‘Caesarean scar specialist’ course equips physiotherapists to address common concerns such as the ‘C-section overhang’ or ‘pouch’ as well as associated musculoskeletal and abdominal symptoms. 

The techniques taught are also applicable to women post-vaginal birth experiencing prolapse, hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction or diastasis recti. 

During the ‘Scar therapy practitioner’ course, what specific manual therapy techniques will physiotherapists master and how do these work together? 

In ‘Scar therapy practitioner’, physiotherapists learn a range of manual scar therapy techniques that can be adapted to address different presentations, including numbness, hypersensitivity, tight or puckered scars, adhesions, oedema, lymphoedema, pain and restricted movement. 

Techniques include targeted scar massage and stretching, negative pressure therapy (scar cupping) using affordable silicone cups and kinesiology taping to off-load tissue and modify tensional forces across the scar. 

These methods can be used both in clinic and as part of a structured self-care program, allowing treatment effects to continue between appointments. 

While large-scale research into topical scar products and manual scar therapy remains limited, the techniques taught are informed by the available evidence, supported by smaller studies and clinical reasoning. 

The course includes links to further research and reading throughout the online materials, reinforcing the theoretical foundations behind the practical skills. 

A case study component and a follow-up live online session allow participants to reflect on clinical application and discuss outcomes across a range of scenarios. 

Beyond hands-on treatment, how do the courses support physiotherapists to empower patients with self-care? 

For many individuals, scars can be a source of significant emotional distress as well as physical symptoms. 

Changes in appearance, altered sensation, pain and reduced movement can lead to fear, disconnection and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress. 

Cultural narratives often portray scars negatively, which can further affect how people relate to their bodies after injury or surgery. 

The Restore Therapy approach takes a gentle, holistic perspective, equipping physiotherapists with the skills to support both physical recovery and patient confidence. 

Practitioners will learn how to guide patients in topical scar care, self-massage and scar cupping techniques (tailored to the individual and the stage of healing). 

Each course includes bonus patient resources, such as educational leaflets that clinics can brand and share, along with demonstration videos showing treatment progression across different presentations. 

Just like exercise prescription, effective scar management requires a progressive, individualised approach— both in clinic and at home—to promote healthy scar formation, restore movement and improve long-term outcomes. 

‘Scar therapy practitioner’ will run on 15–16 May in Upper Mount Gravatt, Queensland and on 22–23 May in Clayton, Victoria. 

‘Caesarean scar specialist’ will run on 17–18 May in Upper Mount Gravatt, Queensland and on 24–25 May in Clayton, Victoria. 

>>Physiotherapist Caroline Callister began her career in the NHS and specialised in pelvic and core rehabilitation in 2009, treating clients regardless of gender or identity. She provides specialist physiotherapy assessment and treatment for pelvic and core muscle conditions. Caroline runs a private clinic in Scotland and has presented for Restore Therapy across the UK and in Europe. 

>>Emma Holly, founder of Restore Therapy and education director, is a specialised clinical scar massage therapist and a leader in her field. Emma has presented on scar therapy at international conferences for therapists and surgeons. Renowned for achieving results through non-invasive treatment approaches, she shares her skills and knowledge throughout the Restore Therapy course program.