Abdominal Scar Tissue

[JaneB]

I recently learned (in scar tissue class), abdominal scar tissue causes bloating - gas & fluids to be trapped in the abdomen. As soon as the scars are released, you can hear the gas and see the abdomen flatten. How many people do you know that have had C-sections, laproscopic surgeries, gall bladder surgery, appendix....etc.

http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14020

[joyfulmom26]

This is interesting to me after three c-sections. I do have a very firm abdomen. I remember my OB telling me it wasn't fat because it was firm. I thought he was nuts. Makes me wonder. I couldn't find anything that told *how* to massage it to release the gas and fluids

[JaneB]

Last night I worked on a 25 year old C-section scar. At one point, the gas released was so significant it sounded like a water bubbler refilling. Both myself & my client heard it and were startled by how loud it was. Hoping she emails me later this week. I am very sure her digestion will improve.

[joyfulmom26]

You are KIDDING! I wish I lived closer to you. I wonder if anyone near me knows about this! Is it another method of massage?

[AlikaB]

When I was in school for massage therapy, I never had the chance to take a class that only focused on scar tissue, though we did learn different techniques for working on scar tissue throughout. Anyway, I remember learning just a basic stomach massage and you would not believe the gas release and improved digestion you get just from that! So moms who used to rub their children's stomachs when they had tummy aches, were definitely right...as long as they were only rubbing in a clockwise direction. lol

[papagena]

Wow! I've had an appendectomy, 2 c-sections and 2 lapropscopies...I think I really need this massage! I did have some physical therapy after my 2nd daughter because I have adhesions and endometriosis and I was told I should manipulate the scar tissue to help it release from my muscles. I haven't been good about that because it hurts soooooo badly, but maye I need to give it another shot.

[chica]

If you are massaging your own stomach, and it's supposed to be in a clockwise fashion, is it clockwise as if you were looking at yourself in someone else's shoes, or clockwise looking down at your stomach? I know.... this is a weird question!

Chica

never mind... I figured out it doesn't matter; it's the same pattern anyway!

[eshlemania]

Yep, but I had the same question. It probably has to do with the same reason we start OIP on the left side. A waiting clarification. :D

[mybestme]

Clockwise is a right to left movement.

I have enough old surgery scars on the front of me that it would be great if they all released any gas and fluids that may be trapped! I looked at several videos on how to do the massage, and it seems easy enough to do on yourself. I'm going to try it anyway. Can't see myself letting anyone else do it on me.

[JaneB]

Scar tissue work is not like general Swedish massage for digestive purposes. The touch is much more sensitive. You have to feel which layer/where your hands are and know what your are working with, etc. The scar tissue work I recently learned is mostly working with fascia not muscle. Videos you find on You Tube is most likely Swedish massage or a variation. It would be fine to perform on yourself and is good to improve digestion, but it will not release scar tissue.
Here's a link to Marjorie Brook's website:
http://www.brookseminars.com/scartissue
She teaches the scar tissue release class I recently took. It was one of the best yet! :)

[AlikaB]

Yes, I realize that. This is why I stated you wouldn't believe the benefits of JUST doing that kind of massage. This is also why I stated it wasn't working on scar tissue. ;)

Some people do have trouble with the clockwise motion, but you are correct. It doesn't matter which way you're facing or looking; it is always in the same direction. Some of the ladies in my class had difficulty with this, and I told them to just picture the face of a clock and the direction the hands move, then you'll know which way to go! lol

[JaneB]

Here's a good video clip for Hawaiian Lomi Lomi abdominal work. It has a good diahpragm release.
Dailymotion - How to give a Lomi Lomi Opu Huli (abdominal massage) - a Life & Style video@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/video@@AMEPARAM@@video

[HF]

Wow, Jane, I TOTALLY need this! I've had SIX abdominal surgeries! This is not the first time I wished I lived closer to you, sigh.

[JaneB]

:( Me too Helena. No wonder you have shoulder issues. SIX - yikes! :(
Usually causes low back pain too! :(

[JaneB]

Leon Chaitow just posted an article about pelvic pain. He mentions abdominal scar tissue.



http://chaitowschat-leon.blogspot.com/2010/04/manual-approaches-to-pelvic-pain.html

More reasons for OIP/HF. :)