Tri-Cities Manual Therapy

Gentle Scar Tissue Therapy

MSTR® for Mastectomy, Thoracotomy, Skin Cancer & Radiation Scarring

Supporting Recovery After Cancer Surgery and Treatment

Whether you’ve undergone a mastectomy, thoracotomy, skin cancer removal, or radiation therapy, healing doesn’t stop once the procedure is over. Many people experience lingering discomfort, tightness, or restricted movement caused by scar tissue — even months or years later.

Manual Scar Tissue Release (MSTR®) is a safe, hands-on technique designed to gently soften and mobilize scar tissue. It supports the body’s natural healing process and helps restore ease, comfort, and function.

Scar imageWhy Scar Tissue Can Be a Problem

Scar tissue doesn’t always stay where it’s formed. It can pull on surrounding muscles, restrict movement, and interfere with the body’s alignment and flexibility. Common post-treatment concerns include:

  • Tightness in the chest, shoulder, or ribs

  • Reduced range of motion or stiffness

  • Chronic pulling, itching, or burning

  • Numbness or oversensitivity around the scar

  • Discomfort when reaching, stretching, or exercising

Even small scars — like those from skin cancer excisions or radiation tattoos — can have surprising effects.

What is MSTR®?

Manual Scar Tissue Release (MSTR®) is a gentle, non-invasive technique performed using the fingertips in precise, rhythmic movements over the scar and surrounding area. No oils, tools, or forceful pressure are used.

Potential benefits include:

  • Softening of dense or raised scar tissue

  • Increased circulation and hydration in the tissue

  • Reduction of sensitivity or discomfort

  • Greater ease of movement and flexibility

  • Visible improvement in scar appearance

Evidence-Based Results

Clinical research supports the effectiveness of MSTR®:

  • 2019 Ultrasound Study: A study involving 12 participants with C-section scars demonstrated that a single 15-minute MSTR® session led to a reduction in scar tissue thickness by over 30%, as measured by ultrasound imaging. mcloughlin-scar-release.com+1mcloughlin-scar-release.com+1

  • 2025 Myotonometry Study: Recent research utilized myotonometry to assess the impact of MSTR® on trigger points. The study found significant improvements in tissue elasticity and muscle tone following treatment. mcloughlin-scar-release.com

These findings highlight MSTR®’s potential to produce measurable, positive changes in scar tissue. https://www.mcloughlin-scar-release.com/research

MSTR® Is Especially Helpful For:

  • Mastectomy and lumpectomy scars and their associated limits to upper body and arm ROM

  • Thoracotomy or sternotomy scars (e.g., lung, cardiac, esophageal procedures)

  • Skin cancer removal scars (including on face, chest, or extremities)

  • Radiation fibrosis and surrounding tissue stiffness

  • Neck and throat cancer surgeries (including radical neck dissections, tracheostomies, thyroidectomies, or lymph node removal)

  • Portacath and PICC line insertion sites

  • Lymph node dissection scars

  • Reconstructive surgery sites (e.g., DIEP flap, TRAM flap, donor graft areas)

Even older scars — from many years ago — can respond well to treatment.

Radiation Fibrosis & Scarring

Radiation can lead to tight, fibrotic areas that feel stiff, thickened, or less mobile. MSTR® helps by increasing pliability in the tissue, improving circulation, and reducing the feeling of restriction in the affected area — all without irritating sensitive skin.

Neck & Throat Cancer Scarring

Surgeries in the neck area can impact swallowing, shoulder mobility, voice, or lymphatic drainage. MSTR® can assist in:

  • Softening scar tissue along incisions

  • Improving neck rotation and shoulder function

  • Reducing stiffness and pressure in the throat and jaw area

  • Supporting gentle tissue remodeling without overstimulation

What to Expect in a Session

  • Duration: 30–45 minutes

  • Technique: Gentle, targeted handwork done directly on the skin

  • Comfort: No pain, no pressure, no aggressive manipulation

  • Frequency: Most clients see improvement in just a few sessions

  • Readiness: Scars must be fully healed (typically 8+ weeks post-op or post-radiation)

Clients with a history of lymph node removal may require physician clearance. We also have certified lymphedema therapists on staff!

Reclaim Ease in Your Body

MSTR® offers a respectful, effective way to support your body as it adjusts and recovers after treatment. It’s never too late to address the lasting effects of scar tissue — and often, even small changes can make a big difference in your comfort and daily function.