NHS Study on Sharon Wheeler’s (SW) ScarWork for Post-Breast Surgery Pain Syndrome (PBSPS)

Could Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork Help Relieve Your Post-Surgery Pain?

We are inviting people to participate in a new research study

We are delighted to share details of a major research project currently underway at UCLH (University College London Hospitals), and sponsored by the University of West London, to establish the efficacy of SW ScarWork for post-breast surgery pain syndrome in breast cancer patients who are in remission.

What is the study about?

Many people who have breast cancer surgery go on to experience ongoing breast pain. This is known as Post-Breast Surgery Pain Syndrome (PBSPS), and it can last for years, affecting daily life and wellbeing.

Right now, treatment options for this type of pain are limited. This study aims to find out whether SW ScarWork is a practical and effective treatment that could be offered to people in NHS cancer care settings.

If you’ve had breast cancer surgery and are still experiencing pain in the breast area months or even years later SW ScarWork may be able to help.

What is Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork?

SW ScarWork is a gentle, light-touch therapy that works directly on scar tissue and areas impacted by scar tissue. This includes cording, drain and keyhole surgery sites. A trained therapist uses their hands on the surface of your skin — no oils, no equipment — to help ease the tightness, pain, and discomfort that can remain after surgery. SW ScarWork differs significantly from general scar massage in that its overriding principle is that it is pain free.

SW ScarWork concentrates on reintegrating scar tissue into the fascial web. Early evidence suggests SW ScarWork can significantly reduce pain, improve range of movement, how a scar looks and feels, and help with symptoms like itching, numbness, tenderness, and general discomfort.

Who can take part?

You may be eligible if you:

Are aged 18 or over
Have undergone breast surgery as part of your breast cancer treatment
Completed radiotherapy at least six months ago
Are currently in remission with no evidence of active disease
Continue to experience breast pain, discomfort, or restricted movement, with symptoms rated at 3 or higher on a scale of 0-10
Are able to attend five one- hour appointments at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, scheduled approximately every three weeks

Why should I take part?

By joining this study, you’ll have the chance to access SW ScarWork therapy — a promising treatment that isn’t currently widely available on the NHS. Our aim is to build the evidence needed to support wider access, helping make this treatment more available to women and men living with the long-term effects of surgery and scarring.

With recruitment closing at the end of this year, we encourage anyone who may be eligible to take part and help shape the future availability of SW ScarWork for others.