Pain Free North West
What is MSTR?
McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release (MSTR®) is a gentle, non-invasive manual therapy technique designed to remodel scar tissue, improve mobility, reduce pain, and address emotional effects associated with scars. It uses manual, multi-directional movements over the scar to realign collagen fibers, improve blood and lymph flow, and release adhesions to surrounding tissues
Many people seek MSTR® because something about their scar just doesn’t feel right, perhaps it pulls, feels numb or hypersensitive, affects movement, or simply feels “not part of me.” MSTR® offers a supportive way of helping the area soften, settle and feel more at ease.
For scars connected to injury, surgery, trauma or difficult experiences, physical sensitivity can sometimes sit alongside an emotional memory. MSTR® provides a calm, grounded approach that works gently with the surface scar and the deeper layers of tension the body may be holding, always at a pace that feels safe, steady and manageable.
How can MSTR® help?
MSTR® offers more than working with the physical scar; many people also find it supports their emotional recovery and relationship with their body. Scars can vary widely in how they look and feel, and may be associated with discomfort, numbness, restricted movement or changes in how you move, as well as memories or emotions linked to the original event. Some people notice feelings such as self‑consciousness, low confidence or distress around trauma scars, particularly when they are in a visible area.
In an MSTR® session, light, precise fingertip work is used to address the fibrous tissue of the scar, with the aim of softening the area and helping it feel more comfortable and integrated. Clients often report changes such as a softer texture, more awareness or sensation in and around the scar and a sense that it feels more “natural” or part of their body again, although experiences vary from person to person. As the scar starts to feel less tight or intrusive, some people also describe a shift in how they feel emotionally about it, which can contribute to an increased sense of ease or wholeness over time.
MSTR® can be used with both single, larger scars and multiple smaller scars, and treatment is always tailored to the individual, their history and their comfort levels. It is offered as a complementary, gentle approach that may support your overall wellbeing alongside any medical advice or treatment you are already receiving.
What Can MSTR® Be Used For?
MSTR can be applied to a wide variety of scars, including:
Responses vary from person to person. If you have ongoing pain, restricted movement, altered sensation or any uncertainty about your symptoms, you are encouraged to seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
What are the benefits of MSTR®?
How MSTR is Performed
Sessions typically last 30 minutes, performed on a couch or chair depending on comfort. I apply gentle moves over the scar, addressing both the scar itself and surrounding fascia. Multiple sessions may be recommended for maximum effectiveness. It can be performed as a stand alone treatment or integrated into a Bowen session.
Many people seek MSTR® because something about their scar just doesn’t feel right, perhaps it pulls, feels numb or hypersensitive, affects movement, or simply feels “not part of me.” MSTR® offers a supportive way of helping the area soften, settle and feel more at ease.
For scars connected to injury, surgery, trauma or difficult experiences, physical sensitivity can sometimes sit alongside an emotional memory. MSTR® provides a calm, grounded approach that works gently with the surface scar and the deeper layers of tension the body may be holding, always at a pace that feels safe, steady and manageable.
How can MSTR® help?
MSTR® offers more than working with the physical scar; many people also find it supports their emotional recovery and relationship with their body. Scars can vary widely in how they look and feel, and may be associated with discomfort, numbness, restricted movement or changes in how you move, as well as memories or emotions linked to the original event. Some people notice feelings such as self‑consciousness, low confidence or distress around trauma scars, particularly when they are in a visible area.
In an MSTR® session, light, precise fingertip work is used to address the fibrous tissue of the scar, with the aim of softening the area and helping it feel more comfortable and integrated. Clients often report changes such as a softer texture, more awareness or sensation in and around the scar and a sense that it feels more “natural” or part of their body again, although experiences vary from person to person. As the scar starts to feel less tight or intrusive, some people also describe a shift in how they feel emotionally about it, which can contribute to an increased sense of ease or wholeness over time.
MSTR® can be used with both single, larger scars and multiple smaller scars, and treatment is always tailored to the individual, their history and their comfort levels. It is offered as a complementary, gentle approach that may support your overall wellbeing alongside any medical advice or treatment you are already receiving.
What Can MSTR® Be Used For?
MSTR can be applied to a wide variety of scars, including:
- Surgical scars: C-section, mastectomy, lumpectomy, hysterectomy, spinal surgery, laparoscopy
- Trauma scars: Burns, head wounds, amputation scars, knee injuries
- Other conditions: Plantar fasciitis, Dupuytren’s contracture, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel
Responses vary from person to person. If you have ongoing pain, restricted movement, altered sensation or any uncertainty about your symptoms, you are encouraged to seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
What are the benefits of MSTR®?
- Softer or more flexible scar tissue
- Increased range of motion
- Reduced sensations such as itching, pulling, burning or hypersensitivity
- A calmer, less restrictive feel in and around the scar
- Better tissue awareness or sensation around the area
- Reduced pain
- Improved circulation
- Reduced swelling around the scar
- A scar that feels more natural, integrated and less intrusive
- Can be used on both new and older scars, including long-standing scar tissue
- A shift in how you relate to the scar or the experience connected to it
How MSTR is Performed
Sessions typically last 30 minutes, performed on a couch or chair depending on comfort. I apply gentle moves over the scar, addressing both the scar itself and surrounding fascia. Multiple sessions may be recommended for maximum effectiveness. It can be performed as a stand alone treatment or integrated into a Bowen session.
