Jeannie Kelley
by Jeannie Kelley
Sharon Wheeler saved my life. I discovered her while on a mission to recover my body, mind, and soul. I had been suffering with complications from a traumatic accident that left me at a very low level of functioning. Feeling desperate, I searched the highest levels of mastery in my field. I’m now better from the entire experience, and Sharon has been my primary teacher ever since.
In 1970, at the age of 23, Sharon trained with Dr. Ida Rolf’, the founder of Structural Integration. A gifted savant, Sharon was personally chosen to be Dr. Rolf’s “artistic experiment”. Today, Sharon’s advanced contributions are both an evolution and a reflection of the original lineage. She has been investigating and successfully treating scars for over 40 years. Now, about ScarWork:
Our bodies naturally produce scar tissue as a way of mending and providing protection to a wounded area, and the inflammatory swelling that results after surgery creates a natural kind of “glue”. While these adhesions strengthen injured places, they can also cause complications further down the road in the form of tension, restriction and disorganization.
As a scar matures and thickens, it begins to drag on surrounding areas. Organs can even be affected. For example, adhesions can interfere with normal peristaltic action of the colon which can lead to an obstructed bowel.
Sharon Wheeler
Behind this unique perspective on Structural Integration and scars, is the notion of relating the parts to the whole. “This particular approach is less about ‘breaking up’ scar tissue,” says Sharon, “And more about integrating scars into the fascial web”.
Students benefit from this course because this skill is a specialty service within a relatively untapped market. It is also a modality that is not physically taxing, and can be enjoyed throughout a life-long career.
I have found that the principles behind these techniques transfer seamlessly into the work that I do with clients in general. This training has given me a greater understanding of layering and integration.
Clients benefit because ScarWork reduces swelling, tightness and numbing. It helps restore natural appearance and improves general, overall tissue function. It is also fast, painless and permanent.
Results from a study presented at the 2012 International Fascial Research Congress (FRC) showed that rats who received post-surgical massage produced a much lower rate of adhesions than those that didn’t. Sharon will also be presenting a poster at the 2015 FRC showing before and after sonogram imaging results of ScarWork that clearly demonstrate restoration of the fascial layers on scars that are between 10 and 40 years old.
The Florida School of Massage will host Sharon and her workshop, “ScarWork: Integrating Scars Into the Fascial Web” from 9:00AM until 6:00PM Friday through Sunday, May 8 – 10. To register online or for more information, click here.
For more information, including student and client video testimonials, please visit Island Soma Therapy’s Facebook event: ScarWork Class with Sharon Wheeler.
Jeannie Kelley, the owner of Island Soma Therapy in Hilton Head, SC, is advanced certified in the Rolf Method of Structural Integration and has been in practice since 1986.
Sharon Wheeler teaches worldwide on the subjects of ScarWork, BoneWork, Rolfing for the Cranium, and the Art of Rolfing. She lives in Seattle, WA.
