Pre & Post-operative Bodywork & Scar massage
Supporting recovery after surgery, injury & healthy scar tissue
Difficulties connected to scar tissue
Pain, reduced mobility, feelings of tightness and tension, and numbness are common issues connected to scar tissue whether from a planned surgery, cosmetic procedure or unplanned trauma. Symptoms may develop months or years later and many people learn to live with the symptoms and “get on with life” or have no idea that their symptoms are connected to scarring. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Bodywork for surgery recovery (or injuries) and healthy scar tissue is useful:
Before surgery
After surgery or injury,
For scars of any age
For scar tissue in intimate areas.
Sessions can help
Minimise pain, swelling and recovery time
Prevent or reduce scar-related complications and side effects.
Optimise cosmetic outcomes
Provide needed mental and emotional support
Deciding on which treatment to book
Below you can read about the available options and book a session. When in doubt, you can send an email or schedule an online orienting appointment if desired. Whichever option you pick, rest assured that all sessions are customised and begin with getting to know what your desired outcomes are, explaining the available options and agreeing upon a treatment plan.
The approach
Interdisciplinary, consent centered, customised and addressing different layers of the body (and mind) with varied techniques as needed. Sessions can complement and align with work you are doing with other care providers.
Available modalities include:
Deep tissue massage, Trigger point therapy, Myofascial release, Bindweefsel massage, Manual lymphatic drainage, Pelvic bodywork, Dorn therapy
Dry needling, Microneedling, KT taping, cupping therapy, IASTM scraping, hot stones
Integral Yoga therapy, somatic coaching and more.
Surgery, trauma and scar related treatments
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Reduce swelling, pain & recovery time.
MLD is a gentle rhythmic massage technique which stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid and boosts the immune system, reducing swelling, pain and recovery time.
For best results, start with 2 sessions the week before a planned surgery and continue at least 1x per week for the first weeks after the procedure or as indicated by swelling. MLD can also be combined with lymphatic taping for extra support.
Integral Deep Tissue Massage
Reduce pain, restrictions & stress.
The integral deep tissue massage combines a range of deep tissue, structural integration and myofascial techniques ranging from gentle to intense to support reduced pain, tension, restriction, stress and increased ease and mobility.
Clients often expect deep tissue massage to be primarily painful and intense. They are pleasantly surprised to discover that this doesn’t have to be the case and that sessions are often deeply relaxing.
Sessions will be customised to you and your needs and goals. When considered useful, cupping therapy, dry needling or taping can be integrated if you want.
Integrated Yoga Therapy (IYT)
Support for body, mind & soul.
IYT draws from a wide range of yoga, mindfulness, somatics, physiotherapy, massage and coaching practices in a grounded, medically and psychologically informed way to support you and your body.
Together we will look at your goals and design a plan and sessions that support your goals and overall wellbeing.
Common goals include strength building, improved mobility, stress management, listening to your body, getting rest, being kinder to yourself and doing exercises prescribed by your physical therapist, doctor, psychologist or sexologist.
Scar tissue massage
Useful for scars of any age to prevent or reduce scar related symptoms.
Scar massage techniques range from gentle to intense. Prevents or reduces common complaints associated with scars and scar tissue including hardened tissue, pain, reduced mobility, and numbness or reduced sensation in immediate and surrounding areas. Scar massage may also improve cosmetic outcomes. Scar massage is useful for scars of any age.
For best results, start with scar tissue treatment as soon as the wound is healed and scabbing is gone.
Intimate bodywork
Reduce pain, numbness, tension & sexual difficulties.
Scars, scar tissue and tension in the pelvic region often lead to a reduction in comfort and sexual pleasure. This can be difficult to talk about due to feelings of shame and cultural stigma. Intimate bodywork offers a shame-free, consent centered approach in which your body, “yes” and “no” are respected.
Intimate bodywork integrates massage therapy, somatic coaching and sexological bodywork to offer safe support with a range of challenges and sexual difficulties connected to scarring, tension or trauma in genital, anal and pelvic regions.
Microneedling
Improve skin, reduce scarring & wrinkles.
Microneedling or Collagen Induction Therapy is routinely used in the cosmetic world for anti-aging and blemish, scar and wrinkle reduction.
Sometimes compared to tattooing without ink, it stimulates collagen and elastin production and the rejuvenating capacity of the skin by using ultra-thin titanium needles to create micro-punctures in the skin.
Research shows it is beneficial as early as 6 weeks after scarring.
Examples of scar tissue related complaints
A heart surgery at 3 yrs of age causing shoulder pain at the age of 40
An episiotomy causing genital pain or numbness during sex
Hardening under the skin of the belly after a c-section
Uneven skin texture and hardness after liposuction
Tightness in chest and when lifting arms after a mastectomy
Pain walking even though a joint is healed from a surgery
Unexplained genital numbness, discomfort, reduced pleasure or sexual dysfunctions
Discomfort, tightness and pelvic or lower back pain after haemorrhoid surgery
Sexual dysfunctions, pain, numbness or reduced pleasure after gender confirmation procedures
About your massage therapist
The Oasis Studio
Arriving at the studio in Haarlem for your massage is like arriving in your own private oasis. The spacious multipurpose studio with plenty of natural light is available by appointment only and is located in Haarlem North. Featuring:
✓ Heated massage table
✓ Heated oil
✓ Optional Aromatherapy
✓ Gentle Music (optional)
✓ Free parking
✓ Easily accessible by public transportation
Skylar says:
I am honored by the trust given by my clients and try to create an environment in which you feel safe, listened to and free to communicate your needs to ensure you receive the best treatment and outcomes possible.
My approach has been developed partially through reflecting on my own experiences receiving massage. Many of which involved showing up and hoping for the best. Sometimes it was enjoyable, other times boring or downright unpleasant. I've experienced many massages with little regard for what I felt or noticed in my body. The practitioner was the professional who supposedly knew what was best and offered little communication about what they were doing, why or how I experienced it.
Every session is a co-creation with you. Tell me your goals and hopes for the massage along with sensory preferences around intensity, music volume and temperature and I’ll provide a range of possible options. During sessions your feedback is always welcome. Many clients report that this approach is a welcome change from what they are used to.
Further, I treat every client with the intent of building a long-term relationship. I really enjoy when I get the privilege of working with a client over a longer period of time, adapting the approach to the needs and seasons over a period of time.
Location
Sint Bavostraat 9, Haarlem Noord
Available products
There is a small range of useful products available for purchase during your visit including: Zechsal magnesium gels and supplements, and Uberlube.
Skylar Haven, MsC
Skylar is a massage therapist known for being mindfully present, balancing intensity and relaxation, and integrating techniques to intentionally work with the layers of the body (ex. muscles, fascia, nervous system, emotions, etc).
They have qualifications in a wide range of bodywork practices including: massage, scar massage, dry needling, trauma-informed yoga therapy, consent centered intimate scar support, and somatic coaching.